Description:

Field and experimental investigation of sulphate-driven changes in carbon and phosphorus cycling in Lake Ontario catchment ecosystems

Your Opportunity:

Prof. Maria Dittrich, in the Department of Physical and Environmental Sciences at the University of Toronto Scarborough, invites applicants for the position of Research Associate (Limited Term) to conduct research on investigating the effects of sulphate elevation on coupled carbon and phosphorus cycling in aquatic ecosystems of the Lake Ontario catchment.

This opportunity for a Research Associate (Limited Term) is a 1-year term appointment at 87.5% FTE. The anticipated start date is August 31, 2026.

Job Duties:

The position focuses on field and laboratory experiments examining the impact of sulphur on phosphorus and carbon dynamics in freshwater sediments. The successful candidate will:

• Design and execute the field and laboratory experiments on the impact of elevated sulphur content on phosphorus, iron and carbon speciation in lake sediments, geochemical speciation and microbial activities.
• Develop and refine sequential fractionation techniques for sulphur, iron, manganese, and phosphorus in lake sediment samples and sediment slurries, and link the impacts to microbial activities.
• Characterize sediment using advanced structural analysis XRD, Rietveld Refinement techniques, TGA/DSC, SEM/EDX, HRTEM, UV/Vis, FTIR and Raman spectroscopy
• Perform laboratory experiments on sulphur and oxygen isotopes in sulphate and phosphate, testing the hypothesis about the changes in the pathways of changes
• Collaborate with team members to develop detailed research plans, write proposals, and manage laboratory instruments.
• Prepare high-quality research reports, publications, and presentations for dissemination in peer-reviewed journals and conferences.
• Mentor and assist in training graduate and undergraduate students in relevant research techniques.

Qualifications (Minimum Qualifications):

Candidate must have a Ph.D. in Geochemistry, Biogeochemistry, Environmental Sciences, or a related field, with academic research experience in sediment-water interface biogeochemistry of freshwater, coastal, and marine systems, and a minimum of five years of post-PhD research experience in the field of biogeochemistry.

Notes:

This is a 87.5% FTE 1-year term appointment, with the possibility of extension, depending on approval of supervisor based on performance and funding.

Prorated hours of work: 31.72 hours per week

Pro-rated Pay Scale Group and Hiring Rate: R01 - Pro-rated annual salary at 87.5% FTE $46,830 - $87,806.25

Targeted hiring rate: $30/hour

Pay Scale Group & Hiring Zone: R01 -- Research Associates (Limited Term): $53,520 - $100,350 annually.

Any questions regarding this position should be directed to Prof. Maria Dittrich, m.dittrich@utoronto.ca

Closing Date: 2026-08-26, 11:59PM ET

Description:

Field and experimental investigation of sulphate-driven changes in carbon and phosphorus cycling in Lake Ontario catchment ecosystems

Your Opportunity:

Prof. Maria Dittrich, in the Department of Physical and Environmental Sciences at the University of Toronto Scarborough, invites applicants for the position of Research Associate (Limited Term) to conduct research on investigating the effects of sulphate elevation on coupled carbon and phosphorus cycling in aquatic ecosystems of the Lake Ontario catchment.

This opportunity for a Research Associate (Limited Term) is a 1-year term appointment at 87.5% FTE. The anticipated start date is August 31, 2026.

Job Duties:

The position focuses on field and laboratory experiments examining the impact of sulphur on phosphorus and carbon dynamics in freshwater sediments. The successful candidate will:

• Design and execute the field and laboratory experiments on the impact of elevated sulphur content on phosphorus, iron and carbon speciation in lake sediments, geochemical speciation and microbial activities.
• Develop and refine sequential fractionation techniques for sulphur, iron, manganese, and phosphorus in lake sediment samples and sediment slurries, and link the impacts to microbial activities.
• Characterize sediment using advanced structural analysis XRD, Rietveld Refinement techniques, TGA/DSC, SEM/EDX, HRTEM, UV/Vis, FTIR and Raman spectroscopy
• Perform laboratory experiments on sulphur and oxygen isotopes in sulphate and phosphate, testing the hypothesis about the changes in the pathways of changes
• Collaborate with team members to develop detailed research plans, write proposals, and manage laboratory instruments.
• Prepare high-quality research reports, publications, and presentations for dissemination in peer-reviewed journals and conferences.
• Mentor and assist in training graduate and undergraduate students in relevant research techniques.

Qualifications (Minimum Qualifications):

Candidate must have a Ph.D. in Geochemistry, Biogeochemistry, Environmental Sciences, or a related field, with academic research experience in sediment-water interface biogeochemistry of freshwater, coastal, and marine systems, and a minimum of five years of post-PhD research experience in the field of biogeochemistry.

Notes:

This is a 87.5% FTE 1-year term appointment, with the possibility of extension, depending on approval of supervisor based on performance and funding.

Prorated hours of work: 31.72 hours per week

Pro-rated Pay Scale Group and Hiring Rate: R01 - Pro-rated annual salary at 87.5% FTE $46,830 - $87,806.25

Targeted hiring rate: $30/hour

Pay Scale Group & Hiring Zone: R01 -- Research Associates (Limited Term): $53,520 - $100,350 annually.

Any questions regarding this position should be directed to Prof. Maria Dittrich, m.dittrich@utoronto.ca

Closing Date: 2026-08-26, 11:59PM ET