Research Opportunities

Snow and glaciers represent important components of Western Canada’s freshwater flux, and its melt contributes to transport of sediment, organic materials and nutrients to the Pacific Ocean. These frozen reservoirs also serve as a critical source for drinking water and the health of aquatic ecosystems. Over the past two years we have been using plane based LiDAR to measure snow depth across 4 watersheds in coastal British Columbia, with an active field campaign to collect validation data and measure density and other properties of the snowpack. Results from this work align with Hakai’s Icefield to Oceans Science framework, and into our regional and provincial government needs to address water availability for both human consumption and ecological services.

We seek a postdoctoral fellow (PDF) and a PhD student who will work with us to model snowpack density and snow water equivalent, and integrate these data into hydrological models to assess the importance of snow in coastal watersheds. The PDF is funded for at least two years and the PhD has funding for a three year term.

Qualifications for the PDF include: i) a PhD in meteorology, glaciology, physics, hydrology, earth-system science or a related field; ii) a strong publication record; iii) intermediate-to-advanced skills in modern computer programming languages (Python, R, C++ etc); iv) field experience in remote mountain environments, including working and travelling in avalanche terrain, and; v) strong organizational/leadership skills. Tenure may be either at Vancouver Island University, the University of Northern British Columbia or a shared position between both universities. Anticipated start date is Sept 07, 2021, or before; however a later start date is possible.

The PhD student qualifications include an MSc in meteorology, glaciology, physics, hydrology, earth-system science or a related field, ii) a publication record; iii) intermediate skills in computer programming or an aptitude to develop such skills; iv) field experience in remote mountain environments, including working and travelling in avalanche terrain, and; v) strong organizational/leadership skills. The PhD will be through UNBC with potential to be based at VIU upon completion of course work. Anticipated start date is Sept 07, 2021 or Jan 04, 2022.

Given the collaborative nature of the proposed research the Post Doc and PhD student will travel between UNBC, VIU and Hakai. Anticipated start date is Sept 07, 2021, or before; however a later start date is possible. Interested applicants should provide their Curriculum Vitae and a cover letter to both Dr. Bill Floyd (Bill.Floyd@viu.ca) and Dr. Brian Menounos (menounos@unbc.ca) explaining why they are the suitable candidate for the position. Post Doc annual salary is based upon qualification and will include full benefits. Application Deadline is July 15, 2021.