Modeller/Programmer in Hydrogeology (PhD) - Research Affiliate Program

Important messages

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Assessment accommodation

Candidates will be asked to provide examples of scientific articles they have written.
Candidates may be asked to provide a copy of their transcripts.

Duties

As part of a federal research project for the sustainable development of surface and groundwater resources, the proposed PhD project aims to develop and apply, on a sensitive identified region, a dynamic framework for assimilation of Climate-hydrological data to report the availability of current and future water resources. The targeted study area for the pilot project covers a watershed where water shortages are increasingly frequent and some aquatic habitats are threatened by the disturbing declines in groundwater and rivers. Moreover, the complexity of the climate-hydrological processes and their interaction ensures that the proper actions to be taken to ensure resource sustainability are most often non-trivial. In order to support the decision-making of local and provincial governments responsible for water resource management, innovative and functional approaches are necessary.

The general objectives of the PhD project are therefore in two phases. First, the acquisition of knowledge to understand the complexity of surface and groundwater interactions for the study area. As the study area has already been the subject of numerous information-gathering campaigns, this phase of the project will consist mainly in the development of a coupled numerical model of surface and groundwater. Integrating all the information available in the coupled model will help understand how water resources are distributed within the basin and how they have evolved over time.

Next, the real-time climate data assimilation algorithm will be developed within the coupled model for the prediction of short-term water resources. This is essential in order to anticipate whether adaptation measures will be necessary (e.g., distribution of water stress, temporary moratorium on withdrawals). This phase includes the validation of different assimilation approaches (e.g. Kalman filters, learning machine) for their accuracy and efficiency, as well as the development of a database structure allowing the dynamic storage of the information.

Work environment

At Natural Resources Canada, a Federal government job means developing leadership skills, fostering teamwork, and supporting creativity and innovation. We know it takes people from diverse pools of talent to make this happen. That is why we are looking for people like you. As an employee at Natural Resources Canada you can enjoy diverse employment opportunities, a range of career development programs, and a learning culture that supports you to learn on an ongoing basis. We support balancing your work and private life by offering the benefits of flexible work arrangements.

Intent of the process

The intent is to offer one bursary (PhD) from September 1, 2019 to August 31, 2023.

Positions to be filled: 1

Information you must provide

Your résumé.

A covering letter in 500 words (maximum) "Candidates are asked to submit a covering letter detailing: (i) their motivation(s) for the position and (ii) their professional and personal quality(ies) that distinguish them (see the five listed qualifications*)."

Contact information for 2 references.

A list of the courses you have taken as well as any courses that you are taking now, or that you will be taking this academic year

In order to be considered, your application must clearly explain how you meet the following (essential qualifications)

Education :
*Graduation with a Master of Science degree from a recognized post-secondary institution with acceptable specialization in physical engineering, physics, geological engineering, hydrogeology or some other field relevant to the duties of the position.

Degree equivalency

*Experience (research or professional) in hydrogeological modeling.
*Experience (research or professional) in scientific programming.

The following will be applied / assessed at a later date (essential for the job)

English or French

Information on language requirements

*Ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing.
*Scientific autonomy and analytical capacity for solving complex problems.

Conditions of employment

Reliability Status security clearance

Other information

The Public Service of Canada is committed to building a skilled and diverse workforce that reflects the Canadians we serve. We promote employment equity and encourage you to indicate if you belong to one of the designated groups when you apply.

Information on employment equity

Reference checks may be sought.

An interview may be administered.

You must provide proof of your education credentials.

Persons are entitled to participate in the appointment process in the official language of their choice.

Candidates from outside the public service may be required to pay for travel and relocation costs associated with this selection process.

Successful completion of both a RAP work assignment and your educational program may lead to a temporary or permanent federal public service position for which you meet the merit criteria and conditions of employment.

Natural Resources Canada is committed to employment equity and building strength through diversity. We welcome applications from qualified people and encourage members of the designated groups (Aboriginal Peoples, Persons with Disabilities, Visible Minorities and Women) to apply and to self-identify.

For this selection process, it is our intention to communicate with candidates via email for screening and assessment purposes. This will include communication of screening results and invitations to written tests and interviews. To that end, candidates must include a valid email address in their application. It is the candidate’s responsibility to ensure that this address is functional and that it accepts messages from unknown users (some email systems block these types of email). It is also the candidate’s responsibility to ensure accurate information is provided and updated as required.

Preference

Preference will be given to Canadian citizens.

We thank all those who apply. Only those selected for further consideration will be contacted.