The Geomicrobiology Lab is always looking for new members at the undergraduate, Masters, PhD, and postdoctoral levels. See the information below regarding available graduate student and postdoctoral positions.
University of Waterloo undergraduates interested in EARTH 436 thesis, NSERC USRA, or co-op positions should contact Jenine McCutcheon directly.
MSc or PhD Position: Characterization of the microbial community structures proximal to arsenic-bearing mine waste
Description
This research will investigate the composition and metabolic function of microbial communities 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 MSc/PhD candidate will work in close collaboration with a postdoctoral research fellow to investigate the 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. They will be responsible for conducting field sampling of water, tailings, and biofilms from legacy mine deposits for microbiological and geochemical analyses. Autotrophic and heterotrophic microorganisms that participate in As, Fe, and S cycling, with potential to contribute to As bioremediation, may be identified and cultured. The MSc/PhD candidate will examine biomineralization pathways that may aid bioremediation of As through characterization of field samples and laboratory experiments. Microbial-mineral relationships will be examined using scanning and transmission electron microscopy, diffraction, and X-ray microscopy and spectroscopy techniques.
Qualifications
For an MSc on this topic, the successful candidate holds (or will soon hold) a BSc degree in Earth Sciences, Geology, Geosciences, Geochemistry, Microbiology, or a related field. For a PhD on this topic, the successful candidate holds (or will soon hold) BSc and MSc degrees in Earth Sciences, Geology, Geosciences, Geochemistry, Microbiology, or a related field.
Previous experience with microbiological, geochemical, electron or X-ray techniques, and fieldwork in remote locations are considered assets.
Application information
- 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) to Dr. Jenine McCutcheon.
- Applications to graduate studies at the University of Waterloo are due February 1, June 1, and October 1. Learn more about applying to a PhD Earth Sciences at Waterloo.
- The successful candidate will be based in the Geomicrobiology Lab in the Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences at the University of Waterloo. They will work in collaboration with the other project members including the Groundwater Geochemistry and Remediation Group led by Dr. David Blowes and Dr. Carol Ptacek, and project manager Dr. David Wilson.
Banting Postdoctoral Fellowship
The Banting is among the most prestigious opportunities for postdoctoral scholars, valued at $70k per year for two years with an institutional top-up from the Provost’s Office of $10k/year in research funding plus access to $5k in leadership incentive funds. An applicant for a Banting at the University of Waterloo must secure the endorsement of a Waterloo supervisor(s). See more information on the UW Banting Postdoctoral Fellowship webpage. Interested applicants should contact Jenine McCutcheon in time for the applicant endorsement deadline, which is typically in early June of the application year.
Equity information
The University of Waterloo acknowledges that much of our work takes place on the traditional territory of the Neutral, Anishinaabeg and Haudenosaunee peoples. Our main campus is situated on the Haldimand Tract, the land granted to the Six Nations that includes six miles on each side of the Grand River. Our active work toward reconciliation takes place across our campuses through research, learning, teaching, and community building, and is co-ordinated within the Office of Indigenous Relations.
The University values the diverse and intersectional identities of its students, faculty, and staff. The University regards equity and diversity as an integral part of academic excellence and is committed to accessibility for all employees. The University of Waterloo seeks applicants who embrace our values of equity, anti-racism and inclusion. As such, we encourage applications from candidates who have been historically disadvantaged and marginalized, including applicants who identify as First Nations, Métis and/or Inuk (Inuit), Black, racialized, a person with a disability, women and/or 2SLGBTQ+.
The University of Waterloo is committed to accessibility for persons with disabilities. If you have any application, interview, or workplace accommodation requests, please contact Human Resources at hrhelp@uwaterloo.ca or 519-888-4567, ext. 45935.