Postdoctoral Fellowship in Soil Science, Green Assets, and Sensors at Carleton University Carleton University in Canada

The Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering at Carleton University in Ottawa, Canada, is inviting applications for a postdoctoral fellowship within the Drake Stormwater Research Group. This position focuses on leveraging wireless soil monitoring technology to support green asset management and maintenance. The research will involve the use of IoT devices and environmental sensors to monitor and analyze soil moisture, humidity, temperature, and color, with the goal of improving plant health and stormwater management practices.

The successful candidate will develop sensor calibration and installation practices for both natural and manufactured soils, investigate the impact of soil moisture on stormwater retention and evapotranspiration rates, and study ecological responses such as plant performance and microbiome diversity. The project also includes testing prediction models for evapotranspiration losses, stormwater retention, and growth conditions related to invasive species or disease. Collaboration with industry partners Ginkgo Sustainability and SoiLiNQ is a key component of the research.

Supervised by Prof. Jennifer Drake, a Canada Research Chair Tier II in Stormwater and Low Impact Development, the fellow will join a leading research group in stormwater management, low-impact development, and green infrastructure. The position offers a salary of $70,000 per year with optional extended health and dental benefits, for a 12-month term with the possibility of renewal.

Applicants must have a doctoral degree in Civil, Environmental, or Water Resources Engineering, or a related science field such as Ecology, Soil Science, or Biology. Required skills include experience with environmental sensors, lab-based research, and data analysis software (R, Python, MATLAB), as well as a strong publication record and excellent communication skills. Preference is given to candidates with quantitative skills, field research experience, and familiarity with environmental monitoring equipment and data loggers.

Carleton University is committed to diversity and inclusion, welcoming applicants from all backgrounds. Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled. Interested candidates should submit a cover letter, CV, and contact information for at least two references to Prof. Jennifer Drake at [email protected].

For more information, visit the department and position pages linked above.