Postdoctoral Scientist

**Position Details**:

- Position Information**Position Title**
- Postdoctoral Scientist

**Posting Number**
- PTAP1796P

**Department/Unit**
- Oceanography

**Location**
- Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada

**Job Summary & Key Responsibilities**

**_Job Description_**

We are seeking a highly motivated postdoctoral scholar to work on development of Monitoring and Verification (MRV) Frameworks for Ocean-based Carbon Dioxide Removal in Canadian Atlantic Waters (Bedford Basin, Canada). This MITACS Elevate-sponsored position provides a unique opportunity to gain experience working closely with an R&D-focused sensor company in addition to the research component of the project.

**_Location_**
This project is a collaboration between the Ocean Science and Technology Group (CERC.Ocean, Dalhousie) and Pro-Oceanus Systems, and will be based at Studley Campus of Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS. The fieldwork will be done in the Bedford Basin, which is easily accessible by boat from the Halifax harbour.

**_Project description_**
Ocean-based carbon dioxide removal (CDR) approaches such as ocean alkalinity enhancement (OAE) have potential to help sequester atmospheric CO2, safely. However, what is currently missing is the evidence-based assessment of uncertainties of any ecological consequences and, especially, methods to determine the efficiency and permanence of enhanced carbon sequestration, and whether it is a practical approach to provide quantifiable climate benefits.
This project aims to answer some of these key, and challenging questions using a combination of measurement techniques and small-scale field experimentation in the context of ocean modelling. The work will help to develop, test and demonstrate new sensor-based approaches to MRV and act as a catalyst in assessing the effectiveness of OAE. Such approaches will be critical to providing policymakers, industry and the public with the information needed to evaluate the potential for climate interventions that can be implemented as a complement to greenhouse gas emission reduction.
The main goals of this project are three-fold:

1) Development and demonstration of an assessment and verification framework for OAE in the Bedford Basin, Canada, using a combination of field ocean observations, lab
- and mesocosm experiments and numerical models.
2) Study of the effectiveness of OAE and development of novel MRV methods and technologies.
3) Assess the scalability of OAE approaches tested in Bedford Basin.
-

**_Work Environment_**
The CERC.Ocean Laboratory at the Department of Oceanography, Dalhousie University, is a world-leading research facility developing cutting-edge technology for better understanding of biogeochemical cycling in the global ocean and evaluating ocean-based solutions for the climate crisis.
Pro-Oceanus Systems Incorporated (PSI) is a world leader in building innovative sensors that measure and monitor dissolved gases such as CO2, CH4, and O2 in the ocean and other aquatic ecosystems. Pro
- Oceanus has a wealth of expertise, lab facilities, and state-of-the-art observational sensors that can be used to monitor and study aquatic ecosystems.

**Qualifications/Requirements of Position**

**_Required Qualifications_**
- PhD in biogeochemistry, oceanography, ocean technology or related discipline with strong publication record
- Excellent verbal and written English
- Knowledge of programming languages (R, Python, C++, Matlab, LabView, etc)

**_Preferred Qualifications_**
- Strong background in carbonate chemistry, ocean observations and/or sensor development
- Sea-going and fieldwork experience
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills

**_ Other requirements_**
- Physical fitness for the marine medical exam and MED STCW Basic Safety Training

**_ Postdoctoral fellow eligibility (_**
**_MITACS_**
**_):_**
- The applicant must have received their PhD within the four years prior to the start date of the postdoctoral fellowship, unless:

- they have had a break in their career due to military service, illness, or family leave which may be considered exceptions and must be approved in advance
- They have fulfilled all PhD degree requirements (e.g., successful defence, final deposit, and sign-off of the dissertation) and hold a postdoctoral fellow status for the entire duration of their Mitacs Elevate fellowship (2 years)
- They can commit to the two-year Mitacs Elevate fellowship, including the exclusive professional development curriculum.
- Fellows who have held a Mitacs Accelerate award as a Master’s or PhD student are eligible as long as they have not completed more than one year (three internship units equivalent) of Mitacs Accelerate at postdoctoral level. This must be completed before the start of the Mitacs Elevate fellowship
Fellows are ineligible if they have:

- Been employed for more than six months in an R&D position outside the academic institution after receipt of their doctoral degree
- Received an offer of employment from the p