The Groundwater Geochemistry and Remediation Research Group (GGR) at the University of Waterloo invites qualified applicants for undergraduate co-op, technical staff, MSc, PhD, and Post-doctoral Fellow (PDF) positions.
PDF and PhD positions – Critical Resources Extraction using Sustainable Techniques (CREST)
This research focuses on selective recovery of critical elements and toxic contaminants through biogenic sulfide precipitation at the laboratory and field scales.
This project is a component of the CREST program, which is a multi-institutional and multi- and trans-disciplinary research program. The overarching goal of the research program is to forge innovative, eco-friendly, and cost-effective methodologies for the extraction of critical minerals from mine wastes, thereby mitigating acid mine drainage and capitalizing the economic value of these minerals.
Interested candidates are invited to provide their transcripts, CV, a brief statement of research interests, names and contact information for three referees, and copies of publications (if available). For further information regarding this position, please contact Dr. David Wilson (dwilson2@uwaterloo.ca), Dr. David Blowes (blowes@uwaterloo.ca), or Dr. Carol Ptacek (ptacek@uwaterloo.ca).
PDF Position - Implementation and application of non-traditional isotope systems
This PDF position will focus on measuring isotope ratios for metal(loid)s frequently encountered in mine drainage. This PDF will digest, purify, and analyze solid-phase material collected from field sites using multi-collector inductively-coupled plasma mass spectrometry (MC-ICP-MS) and high-resolution accurate-mass analysis (HRAM).
Measurement of non-traditional stable isotope ratios (e.g., Sb, Cr, Cu, Fe, Ni, Se, Zn) provides novel insights into the biogeochemical reactions that control metal(loid) sequestration and release. Isotope ratios will be measured on surface water and groundwater samples collected from the field, and to fingerprint biogeochemical reactions in laboratory remediation studies (e.g., abiotic and biologically-catalyzed sulfidation).
Interested candidates are invited to provide their transcripts, CV, a brief statement of research interests, names and contact information for three referees, and copies of publications (if available). For further information regarding this position, please contact Dr. David Wilson, Program Manager (dwilson2@uwaterloo.ca), Dr. David Blowes (blowes@uwaterloo.ca), or Dr. Carol Ptacek (ptacek@uwaterloo.ca).
PDF Position and MSc Candidate - Characterization of the microbial community structures proximal to arsenic-bearing mine waste
This research will investigate the composition and metabolic function of the microbial community in mine wastes and proximal to the underground storage chambers and stopes and from tailings impoundments at abandoned mines in Ontario and Northwest Territories.
The primary task of the postdoctoral fellow and PhD candidate will involve investigation of metabolic potential for dissimilatory oxidation and reduction of As, Fe, S, and other elements that may impact the biogeochemical fate and stability of the As-bearing mine wastes. Field samples of water, tailings, and/or biofilms will be collected from legacy waste deposits concurrent with hydrogeochemical investigations at the study sites. Autotrophic and heterotrophic microorganisms that participate in As, Fe, and S cycling, with potential to contribute to As bioremediation, may be identified and cultured.
Microbial community and activity data will be linked to As sources and sinks by examining microbial-mineral relationships through mineral characterization via secondary electron scanning electron microscopy (SEM) coupled with energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS), back-scattered electron SEM in conjunction with elemental analysis using EDS, transmission electron microscopy-EDS and electron diffraction, and synchrotron-based X-ray fluorescence microscopy.
Interested candidates are invited to provide their transcripts, CV, a brief statement of research interests, names and contact information for three referees, and copies of publications (if available). For further information regarding this position, please contact Dr. David Wilson, Program Manager (dwilson2@uwaterloo.ca), Dr. David Blowes (blowes@uwaterloo.ca), Dr. Carol Ptacek (ptacek@uwaterloo.ca), or Dr. Jenine McCutcheon (jenine.mccutcheon@uwaterloo.ca).
PDF Position - Characterization of arsenic-bearing mine wastes and remediation systems using emerging techniques
This research will implement emerging analytical techniques to analyze solid- and aqueous-phase samples collected from tailings and other mine wastes at abandoned sites in Ontario and Northwest Territories.
Electron microscopy (e.g., TEM, SEM-EDS) and advanced synchrotron-based X-ray absorption spectroscopic (XAS) techniques (e.g., µX-ray fluorescence mapping, X-ray near-edge absorption spectroscopy (XANES), extended X-ray absorption fine structure analyses, will be integrated with high-energy resolution fluorescence detection (HERFD) XANES with a focus on characterization of As- and Sb-bearing phases. The characterization results from the synchrotron-based techniques will be integrated with measurements that will be conducted using mineral liberation analysis and laser ablation-based analytical techniques (e.g., LIBS, LA-ICP-MS).
Comprehensive characterization of tailings samples collected at Ontario abandoned sites will be conducted using advanced techniques to provide detailed information on weathering processes that influence the transport of As and other elements of concern. Detailed characterization will be used by end-users and partners to inform the design of remediation strategies.
Interested candidates are invited to provide their transcripts, CV, a brief statement of research interests, names and contact information for three referees, and copies of publications (if available). For further information regarding this position, please contact Dr. David Wilson, Program Manager (dwilson2@uwaterloo.ca), Dr. David Blowes (blowes@uwaterloo.ca), or Dr. Carol Ptacek (ptacek@uwaterloo.ca).