Trent University

Trent University is located in Peterborough, Ontario – 90 minutes from downtown Toronto – and offers a breathtaking campus with a spectacular natural and architecturally inspiring backdrop. The Trent Water Quality Centre also hosts a collection of world-class mass spectrometers.

The ENvironmental and Isotope Geochemistry & Mass spectrometry Applications (EnIGMA) lab at the School of the Environment, Trent University, invite applications for a postdoctoral position in environmental geochemistry and life cycle analysis of rare earth elements.
Project summary: This multidisciplinary project aims to assess the mechanisms by which rare earth elements (REEs), as priority critical minerals, affect Canadian terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems. The generated knowledge will allow the development of novel and responsible REE-based applications for sustainable growth of the biotechnology and agroforestry sectors. We aim to expand the potential end use of the research by facilitating the interactions between academic, private and government partners; each partner provides essential fundamental, technical and applied knowledge.
Tasks: The successful candidate will take an active role in planning and executing the research ideas, field and laboratory work, mentoring students, reporting and publishing, and communicating with industrial partners. The project also involves other fifteen graduate students in various topics, e.g., ecotoxicology, biogeochemistry, microbiology, plant sciences, forestry or environmental modeling
Requirements: This position is ideally suited for a Ph.D. holder in environmental geochemistry of rare earth elements with a solid knowledge of life cycle analysis approaches. We particularly seek a robust technical proficiency in advanced chemical analyses. The successful candidate will have a publishing record reflective of their career stage, be independent, self-driven, creative, fluent in English, and hold a valid driver’s license.
We offer: Innovative & applied research topic, and well-equipped laboratories in environmental sciences (e.g., mass spectrometry, XRF, SEM-EDX). The appointment will be for one year, with the possibility of a two-year renewal upon performance and funding availability.

Commitment to diversity: The diversity of our community is at the core of innovation and creativity and strengthens our research excellence. Our groups strive to embody the values of justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion. Thus, we are committed to recruiting and fostering a diverse and inclusive community of outstanding scholars.

Review of applications will begin May 15, until the position is filled. The application package should include (i) a cover letter outlining how the candidate fulfills the requirements, (ii) a full CV, (iii) a 2-page research statement and interests as it relates to this position, and (iv) a list of contacts for three referees.
Applications should be sent as a single PDF to huydang@trentu.ca.