We are seeking a Postdoctoral Fellow or Research Associate (1 year term, starting in January 2021) to develop and implement a local, operational model of Arctic landfast sea ice break-up.

Landfast sea ice plays an important role in the lives of Inuit living in Canada’s Arctic; acting as a platform for transportation to and from hunting grounds and for an evolving floe-edge tourism industry. As part of the global sea ice cover it also plays an important role in large-scale atmosphere/ocean heat transfer, and the global climate. Recent warming in the Arctic has resulted in more unstable and unpredictable landfast ice. Inuit knowledge has been used for many generations as a guide for the safe use of landfast ice, but has become less consistent with the unprecedented changes observed today. This project aims to develop a landfast ice breakup risk model using physics-based and statistical modelling, augmented by Inuit knowledge. It addresses a community priority in Ikpiarjuk (Arctic Bay) Nunavut and is sponsored by Crown Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada (CIRNAC). The project is presently in progress, and some of the groundwork for the models has been developed. The candidate will be responsible for finalizing the models, running the necessary tests and calibrations, and putting it all together to make a prototype operational system. There may be opportunities for community consultations and fieldwork as well.

Position requirements
The ideal candidate will have a PhD in engineering, physics, oceanography or a related discipline and have well-developed mathematical and computer programming skills. Candidates with a Masters degree in Science or Engineering, but with similar skills/experience as a PhD will also be considered. They should have experience working with geospatial environmental data, and ideally ice, ocean or atmospheric models. They should be motivated to work in a multi-disciplinary environment, and to mentor other members in our research group. They should have a very good standard of written and spoken English and experience with scientific writing. One year of salary at $50,000 is currently available.

Academic Environment
This position is funded by a CIRNAC contribution to the Water and Ice Research Laboratory at Carleton University (https://wirl.carleton.ca). The modelling project will be directed by Greg Crocker and Adrienne Tivy, Adjunct Research Professors and Derek Mueller, Associate Professor in the Department of Geography and Environmental Studies.

The Canadian Ice Service (https://ice-glaces.ec.gc.ca), and SmartICE (https://smartice.org/), a social enterprise committed to positive change and social innovation in Inuit communities are partners on this project.

Carleton University is a dynamic and innovative research and teaching institution with a national and international reputation as a leader in collaborative teaching and learning, research and governance. To learn more about our university and the City of Ottawa, please visit www.carleton.ca/provost.

Carleton University is committed to fostering diversity within its community as a source of excellence, cultural enrichment, and social strength. We welcome those who would contribute to the further diversification of our university including, but not limited to: women; visible minorities; First Nations, Inuit and Métis peoples; persons with disabilities; and persons of any sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression. Carleton understands that career paths vary. Legitimate career interruptions will in no way prejudice the assessment process and their impact will be taken into careful consideration.

Application
Please send (a) a cover letter; (b) curriculum vitae; (c) transcripts; and (d) a writing sample such as an article, essay, or thesis. In your cover letter, explain why you are the right candidate for this position and why this particular project and Carleton University would be the right choice for you. Email your application to Greg Crocker (gregory.crocker@carleton.ca).

Selection process
Your submission will be acknowledged by email within one week of receipt. Reviews of applications will commence on October 26, 2020. We thank all applicants for their interest, however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted. If contacted for an interview, please inform us should you require an accommodation, and arrangements will be made in a timely manner. All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply.

If you require further information, please contact or Greg Crocker (gregory.crocker@carleton.ca).