Two Graduate Student Positions in Aquatic Ecotoxicology
POSITIONS:
Two positions (either 2 M.Sc. or 1 M.Sc. and 1 Ph.D.) are available starting approx. May 1 to August 1, 2025 (May-June preferred) in the Toxicology Graduate Program. The positions are in Dr. Karsten Liber’s Aquatic Toxicology Research Group at the Toxicology Centre. Both are full-time and will require occasional weekend and evening work.
QUALIFICATIONS:
Candidates must have completed an undergraduate program in toxicology, biology, environmental science, or another appropriate natural/environmental science program by early summer 2025. International applicants will be considered, but could face long acceptance delays related to Canada’s restrictive process for international students. For that reason, student already based in Canada are preferred. Good laboratory research skills and a background in aquatic biology, limnology, or toxicology would be assets. The desired candidate must be dependable, organized, responsible and able to work both independently and as a team. Good English communication and interpersonal skills are required.
RESPONSIBILITIES:
A Canadian oil sands mining company is currently investigating the use of pit lakes to reclaim the mined landscape in the Athabasca oilsands region. In general, these lakes are designed to store mine tailings under a water-cap containing diluted process water. Although various aspects of the physical, chemical, biological, and toxicological properties of these pilot-scale pit lakes have been investigated, knowledge gaps remain. In particular, little is known about the uptake and movement of trace metals through the food web of these constructed systems, or how these dynamics might evolve as lakes age. If sufficiently elevated, trace metals, individually or in combination, can have direct toxicological impacts on aquatic organisms, or indirect effects through impacts on the food web.
The purpose of the proposed research will be to assess the uptake and transfer of various metals/metalloids in the food web of constructed pilot-scale pit lakes. Of interest is how lake design, contents, and age potentially influence trace element biodynamics. Of the trace elements investigated to date, selenium has the greatest potential to negatively impact future fish and bird populations associated with oil sands pit lakes, but other elements are also of interest.
There are two separate, but related, objectives to the proposed research program (two students).
- General biodynamics of trace metals of concern (including Hg) in food webs (inferred by C, N, and S stable isotope ratios).
- Selenium speciation and biodynamics in aquatic food webs (limnetic and littoral, inferred by C, N, and S stable isotope ratios).
SALARY: $26,000 CDN/year with a possibility of additional scholarship funding.
DEADLINE: Applications will be accepted until suitable candidates are found.
TO APPLY:
Please contact Dr. Liber at karsten.liber@usask.ca with expression of interest. For assessment of qualifications, please submit the following before formally applying: (1) an up-to-date résumé or CV; (2) a cover letter outlining qualifications for and interest in one of the position; and (3) a copy of up-to-date or most recently available academic transcripts (unofficial copies are acceptable at this stage). An interview will be required for short-listed candidates.
For how to formally apply to graduate school, please see Apply to Toxicology Graduate Program
Summer Research Technician
POSITION:
One or two positions are available from approx. May 1 to August 31, 2025, with the possibility of extension into the fall (contingent upon interest, satisfactory performance, and availability of funding). The position is in Dr. Karsten Liber’s Aquatic Toxicology Research Group at the Toxicology Centre and is out-of-scope of any bargaining unit. The position is full-time (approx. 37.5 hours per week) Monday to Friday between 8:00 am and 5:00 pm and will require occasional weekend work.
QUALIFICATIONS:
Candidates must be in, or recently have completed, an undergraduate program in toxicology, biology, environmental science, or another appropriate natural/environmental science program. Candidates with a college-level technologist degree and sufficient work experience in a research or laboratory setting will also be considered. International applicants from outside of Canada will not be considered and local candidates are preferred for logistical reasons.
Good laboratory research skills and a background in aquatic biology, limnology, or toxicology would be assets, but are not essential. The desired candidate must be dependable, organized, responsible and able to work independently. Good English communication and interpersonal skills are required.
RESPONSIBILITIES:
The successful candidate(s) will assist with one or two aquatic toxicology research projects aimed at understanding the biodynamics of toxic elements in freshwater systems and the toxicity of uranium to fish. The successful candidate(s) will be in charge of maintaining algae, invertebrate, or fish cultures used in aquatic ecotoxicology research, assisting with laboratory and field experiments, performing water quality analyses, and assisting graduate students and technical staff with preparing for laboratory and field research. Other general laboratory duties will be assigned as required.
SALARY:
Commensurate with education and experience. Rates based on USask standard rates.
DEADLINE:
Applications will be accepted from March 17, 2025, until a suitable candidate is found.
TO APPLY:
Applications must include: (1) an up-to-date résumé or CV; (2) a short cover letter outlining qualifications for and interest in the positions; (3) a list of three references who can be contacted to provide evaluations of the candidate for the position; and (4) a copy of up-to-date or most recently available academic transcripts (unofficial copies are acceptable at this stage). An interview will be required for short-listed candidates. Preference is given to local candidates.
Please send applications and direct inquiries to Karsten Liber at karsten.liber@usask.ca
University of Toronto, Dept. of Physical & Environmental Sciences - Two Job Postings
The Department of Physical and Environmental Sciences at the University of Toronto is looking to hire two professor positions. See below for more details: