- Research, Teaching, and Professional Opportunities
- Postdoctoral and Graduate Student Opportunities
- International Research and Teaching Opportunities
To submit additional opportunities, click here.
Research, Teaching, and Professional Opportunities
** Ontario Agricultural College – University of Guelph **
The Ontario Agricultural College (OAC), at the University of Guelph (U of G), is seeking a new Dean, and invites applications and nominations. The Dean will take office in the summer of 2025.
The new Dean will work together with an executive team to build on this success, and continue to drive OAC forward. The College is seeking a visionary leader who shares its commitment to excellence in teaching, research, and service, and who has the ambition to develop and strengthen OAC’s place as a world leader and enhance Canada’s position as an agricultural exporter. The Dean will bolster OAC’s international reputation and attract the brightest and most talented faculty and students from around the world.
The successful candidate will be an established scholar and expert in a relevant field, appointable at the rank of full professor, with experience in a leadership position. They will have the ability to think and act strategically, to work collegially across the institution, and demonstrate the ability to make decisions in a clear and consultative manner. The new Dean must be a person with superb leadership skills, showcase evidence of creating a positive culture, and have a track record of fostering interdisciplinary collaboration. The Dean will demonstrate a global perspective and excellent interpersonal skills to build, nurture, and deepen the many relationships and partnerships vital to the College’s success. Creative and innovative, the Dean will display success in reimagining academic programming and partnerships, and steer the sector through significant technological developments. The financial skills and experience to shepherd OAC through a period of budgetary transition are essential. This is an outstanding opportunity to provide leadership to a world-renowned agricultural college, at one of Canada’s finest universities.
Applications are encouraged immediately and ideally by December 4, 2024 at https://careers.odgersberndtson.com/en-ca/30032. The position will remain open until filled. Nominations and inquiries should be directed to Julia Robarts and Nick Ketley of Odgers Berndtson at deanoac@odgersberndtson.com
Click here for the job announcement
** Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada – Science and Technology Branch Lethbridge (Alberta) **
Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada is seeking applications for a full-time, Research Scientist – Soil Chemistry and Nutrient within the Science and Technology Branch Lethbridge (Alberta). The classification level and salary will be determined by the qualifications of the candidate. Closing date: 29 April 2024 – 23:59, Pacific Time
In order to be considered, your application must clearly explain how you meet the following (essential qualifications)
EDUCATION:
Graduation with an acceptable doctoral degree from a recognized post-secondary institution in a field of science with a specialization related to the duties of the position, such as, but not limited to:
• Soil science
• Agriculture
• Soil Chemistry
Applications will be accepted from candidates enrolled in their final year, but who have not yet completed a Ph.D. program. Completion of the Ph.D. thesis must occur before the date of appointment.
If you were educated outside of Canada, you must have your certificates and/or diplomas assessed against Canadian education standards. Click on the link below to contact the Canadian Information Centre for International Credentials (CICIC).
Recognized achievement in the form of authorship and editorship of published or unpublished reports, books, papers, peer-reviewed scientific journals, or other communications resulting from:
a) Research, experimental development, or tasking associated with operational equipment and problems; OR
b) Operational research and scientific analysis; OR
c) Planning, analysis and evaluation of Canadian and foreign programs in research and development; OR
d) Developmental work leading to the issue of patents, copyrights, or the creation of improved varieties, functions, or designs, and/or recognition by the professional community of the research environment.
EXPERIENCE:
• Experience in the design and conduct of research in soil chemistry, specifically as it relates to nutrient cycling or organic residue management.
• Experience in the development and evaluation of Beneficial Management Practices or innovative technologies related to crop and livestock agroecosystem resiliency.
Click here for the job announcement
** University of British Columbia **
The Faculty of Land and Food Systems at the University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada (www.landfood.ubc.ca) is seeking applications for a full-time, tenure-stream position at the rank of Assistant or Associate Professor in Soil Science within the Applied Biology Program. The anticipated start date is January 1, 2025, although an alternate start date could be negotiated.
Applicants must have a Ph.D. in soil science or a closely related field supplemented with postdoctoral or equivalent experience relevant to sustainable land and food systems. Candidates must demonstrate potential for innovative, inclusive and diverse research programs in areas related to soil physics, soil biogeochemistry, soil biology, soil ecology, and/or agroecology. Applicants must demonstrate strong potential for excellence in teaching undergraduate and graduate soil science courses.
As described in its Action Plan, the Faculty of Land and Food Systems prioritizes EDI and uses student-centered learning to educate new generations of scientists equipped to solve the most fundamental issues faced by society (https://www.landfood.ubc.ca/action-plan/). The successful candidate will be expected to (a) develop an independent, externally funded, and internationally recognized research program; (b) foster active collaborations in research and teaching within the Faculty of Land and Food Systems and beyond; and (c) teach courses related to soil science at the graduate and undergraduate level in the Faculty of Land and Food Systems.
Applications must be made through the University of British Columbia’s Human Resources online careers page (https://ubc.wd10.myworkdayjobs.com/ubcfacultyjobs). Applicants should submit one combined PDF file including: (1) cover letter; (2) curriculum vitae; (3) contact information of three references; (4) statement describing a five-year research plan (1-2 pages); (5) statement of teaching philosophy with evidence of potential for effective teaching (1-2 pages); and (6) statement identifying a commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion (up to 1 page). To ensure full consideration, applications must be received by June 15, 2024; however, this position will remain open until a suitable candidate is identified.
Long-listed candidates will be contacted and asked to arrange for 3 letters of reference to be submitted to the search committee.
If you have specific questions about the application process, please contact the Chair of the Search Committee, Dr. Maja Krzic (maja.krzic@ubc.ca) c/o melanie.train@ubc.ca.
Applicants are also asked to complete an equity survey. The survey information will not be used to determine employment eligibility, but will be collated to provide data that can assist us in understanding the diversity of our applicant pool, identify potential barriers to the employment of designated equity group members, and comply with our hiring practices. Your participation in the survey is voluntary and confidential. Data collected through this survey will be held by the Dean’s office and will only be shared at the aggregate level with the hiring committee. https://ubc.ca1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_71nbSTuMnPM8w7k
Click here for the job announcement
** Memorial University of Newfoundland **
The School of Science and the Environment at Grenfell Campus, Memorial University of Newfoundland seeks applications for a Tenure-track position at the rank of Assistant Professor in the area of boreal ecosystems, focused on plants or plant-soil interactions in natural or managed systems commencing on August 1, 2024. The successful candidate will contribute to teaching within the Environmental Science (ENVS) and the Boreal Ecosystems and Agricultural Sciences (BEAS) programs and to the broader Grenfell Campus community. The successful candidate will also have opportunities to supervise graduate students and to contribute to graduate programs at Masters and PhD levels.
We encourage applications from candidates with demonstrated potential for teaching and research excellence in Plant and Soil Ecology, Soil Health, and/or cognate disciplines (e.g., Agriculture, Environmental Science, Physical Geography). A completed PhD or advanced stages of a PhD program is required.
Application deadline : January 31, 2024
Applicants must Submit:
Applications should include a letter of application, curriculum vitae, a two-page teaching dossier (teaching philosophy and evidence of teaching effectiveness), a two-page research statement (which includes a summary of most significant research contributions in the past five years), an EDII-AR statement, and the names and contact information of three referees.
Applications should be sent to the attention of:
Dr. Morteza Haghiri,
Interim Dean, School of Science and the Environment,
Grenfell Campus, Memorial University,
ssedean@grenfell.mun.ca
Click here for the job announcement
Postdoctoral and Graduate Student Opportunities
** International Ph.D. opportunity at Lincoln University (New Zealand), Plant and Food Research (New Zealand), Manaaki Whenua – Landcare Research (New Zealand), and Leibniz University (Germany)**
With funding from the New Zealand Smart Ideas programme, this project will focus on the dynamic functional properties of soil structure (e.g. relative gas diffusivity) and their relationship with greenhouse gas emissions (GHG) with a focus on nitrous oxide emissions. Through experimentation and modelling, the candidate will evaluate how dynamic functional properties and N2O emissions respond to soil compaction.
The PhD candidate will be embedded in a team of experts comprising soil science, environmental science, biophysical modelling, and crop production, and be based in the Lincoln Research hub.
A tax-free annual stipend of $40,000 (NZD) per year, for up to three years, and Lincoln University tuition fees, for up to three years, will be provided.
The candidate should be ready to commence their studies 20th January 2025.
Who can apply:
- The PhD is open to those who meet the entry level requirements for a PhD at Lincoln University, New Zealand, and is open to New Zealand citizens, residents and international candidates who can meet the appropriate visa requirements.
- The programme will be looking for a diversity of skills across the successful applicants.
- PhD applicants must be eligible at the time of application to register as a candidate for a Doctoral degree at Lincoln University or expect to become eligible by January 2025
Candidates who already have a doctorate in an applicable/related field are not eligible for consideration.
How To Apply
To apply please send your CV and cover letter via email by 30th November 2024.
Soil and Physical Sciences
Faculty of Agriculture and Life Sciences
Lincoln University
New Zealand
Email: Timothy.Clough@lincoln.ac.nz
** Ph.D. opportunity at Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada – Science and Technology Branch, Lethbridge (Alberta)**
The Lethbridge Research & Development Centre (LeRDC) is one of the largest within Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada’s national network. The Centre has 46 Research Scientists plus support staff. Research is grouped in the areas of environmental health, bioproducts and bioprocesses, sustainable production systems and food safety and nutrition. LeRDC has excellent laboratory and farm facilities, including a research feedlot.
As part of the PhD. Project, the successful candidate will:
1. Examine the literature related to the current knowledge on irrigation water treatment technologies and the gaps around the potential impact on soil and crop.
2. Determine how irrigation water treatment technologies such as water aeration, ozonation, or oxygenation will affect crop water and nutrient uptake and their effect on soil properties.
3. Determining the interaction between irrigation water treatment technologies, soil and crop health and greenhouse gas (GHG) reduction in agricultural soils.
4. Installation of field experiments, monitoring, collection of samples and analysis of samples in the lab is required. Additionally, experiments in greenhouse or lab setting might need to be conducted.
5. Process and analyze soil and water samples.
6. Conduct basic feasibility estimations of irrigation water treatment technologies.
7. Organize, analyze and interpret the collected data.
The projected start date is January 1, 2025 with an end date of December 31, 2027 (or depending on the candidate’s availability or needs) with the possibility of full time or part time extension. It is expected that the student will work 25 hours per week with the possibility of extension. $28.99 to $37.53 per hour (Varies as per the level of education and experience.)
For further information on the organization, please visit Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada
For further information on the Research Affiliate Program (RAP), please visit Research Affiliate Program (RAP)
Closing date: 19 November 2024 – 23:59, Pacific Time
Who can apply: Persons residing in Canada, Canadian citizens, and Permanent residents abroad.
To be considered for Research Affiliate Program (RAP) work opportunities, all candidates must meet the following eligibility criteria by the date of appointment:
- Be recognized as having full-time student status at an accredited Canadian post-secondary academic institution (this includes students with a disability deemed to have full-time status). Individuals pending approval of acceptance or in the process of submitting applications are encouraged to apply, as proof of enrollment will only be required prior to the start date.
- Be enrolled in an academic program that requires research as part of the curriculum.
- Be the minimum age to work in the province or territory where the job is located.
** M. Sc. or Ph.D. opportunity at Dalhousie University and Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada – Science and Technology Branch, Kentville (Nova Scotia), and Harrow (Ontario)**
In collaboration with the research teams of Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (AAFC) located at the Kentville Research Development Centre (KRDC, NS) and at the Harrow Research Development Centre (HRDC), ON, and a research team at the Faculty of Agriculture at Dalhousie University in Truro, NS, the student will conduct research leading to the writing of a Master’s or PhD thesis on the effect of organic amendments in conventional and organic viticulture systems on soil health and microbial diversity and functioning in Nova Scotia.
The successful candidate will be asked to work outdoors in the field and in the laboratory, as well as in control environments (e.g., greenhouse and incubation). Laboratory work will require some prerequisite safety training.
Day-to-day hands-on research work will be conducted at the Kentville RDC and at the Harrow RDC, with coursework and other academic activities being completed at the Faculty of Agriculture – University of Dalhousie, Truro, Nova Scotia.
The projected start date is January 6, 2025 with an end date of March 31, 2028 (or depending on the candidate’s availability or needs) with the possibility of full time or part time extension. It is expected that the student will work 20 to 25 hours per week with the possibility of part-time extension. $24.62 to $37.53 per hour (Master’s: $24.62 to $30.99; Doctorate: $28.99 to $37.53 per hour (Varies as per level of education and experience)
For further information on the organization, please visit Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada
For further information on the Research Affiliate Program (RAP), please visit Research Affiliate Program (RAP)
Closing date: 6 December 2024 – 23:59, Pacific Time
Who can apply: Persons residing in Canada, Canadian citizens, and Permanent residents abroad.
To be considered for Research Affiliate Program (RAP) work opportunities, all candidates must meet the following eligibility criteria by the date of appointment:
- Be recognized as having full-time student status at an accredited Canadian post-secondary academic institution (this includes students with a disability deemed to have full-time status). Individuals pending approval of acceptance or in the process of submitting applications are encouraged to apply, as proof of enrollment will only be required prior to the start date.
- Be enrolled in an academic program that requires research as part of the curriculum.
- Be the minimum age to work in the province or territory where the job is located.
The graduate student will be located part-time at each of the Brandon Research and Development Centre at Brandon, MB and at the University of Manitoba (Soil Science Department) at Winnipeg, MB where the collaborating scientists and planned field and controlled environment studies will be located.
Brandon Research and Development Centre supports innovative research, development, technology and knowledge transfer activities related to the following AAFC Science Sector Strategies, Agro-Ecosystem Resilience, Cereals and Pulses / Oilseeds and Horticulture focusing on developing sustainable and profitable crop production systems, and agro-ecosystems, and new and improved varieties of wheat, oats and barley.
The projected start date is January 2, 2025 with an end date of January 2, 2027 (or depending on the candidate’s availability or needs) with the possibility of full time or part time extension. It is expected that the student will work 15 hours per week.
$24.62 to $30.99 per hour (Varies as per the level of education and experience.)
For further information on the organization, please visit Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada
For further information on the Research Affiliate Program (RAP), please visit Research Affiliate Program (RAP)
Closing date: 19 September 2024 – 23:59, Pacific Time
Who can apply: Persons residing in Canada, Canadian citizens, and Permanent residents abroad.
To be considered for Research Affiliate Program (RAP) work opportunities, all candidates must meet the following eligibility criteria by the date of appointment:
- Be recognized as having full-time student status at an accredited Canadian post-secondary academic institution (this includes students with a disability deemed to have full-time status). Individuals pending approval of acceptance or in the process of submitting applications are encouraged to apply, as proof of enrollment will only be required prior to the start date.
- Be enrolled in an academic program that requires research as part of the curriculum.
- Be the minimum age to work in the province or territory where the job is located.
** M.Sc. opportunity in GHG emissions at University of British Columbia **
We have a 2-year funded MSc graduate student position (salary $25k/year) available in Soil Science in the Faculty of Land and Food Systems on a research project at UBC Farm. The goal is to determine the effectiveness of a copper additive in reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from slurry manure during storage on dairy farms. Our recent laboratory incubation research using the additive has shown considerable promise in decreasing GHG, especially CO2 and CH4, emissions. The research will involve measuring emissions weekly from tanks treated with different additive levels. The student will use a portable gas analysis system to monitor emissions during this winter (2024-2025) and conduct tests on plots with the treated manure applied in spring 2025.
The student will be working with Drs. Andy Black and Sean Smukler.
Please email application (cover letter, CV, unofficial transcript and 2 references) to Dr. Andy Black, andrew.black@ubc.ca.
Application deadline is September 30, 2024.
Details can be found at https://biomet.landfood.ubc.ca/projects/
Microbial drivers of soil N2O emissions from enhanced efficiency nitrogen fertilizers
Dr. Bobbi Helgason is seeking a PhD student to conduct research to examine how climate and soil type interact with fertilizer management to affect the performance of enhanced efficiency N fertilizers in annual crop production. The student’s project will involve field and controlled environment studies that employ DNA and RNA profiling (sequencing and qPCR of N cycling genes and transcripts) and stable isotope tracing to understand microbial N cycling. Candidates interested in learning about 4R Nutrient Stewardship (right source, rate, time, and place) by understanding microbial processes contributing to N2O production and consumption are encouraged to apply. The student will learn a diversity of complex laboratory techniques in soil microbiology and biochemistry. The Department of Soil Science is home to a newly updated Stable Isotope Facility with state of the art capacity for isotope tracing in soil and microbial biomarkers as well as gaseous emissions (15N2O/15N2). This project is part of a larger nationwide project “CanN2ONet – A Canadian Nitrous Oxide Collaboration Network to Meet Greenhouse Gas Emission Reduction Targets” funded by the NSERC Alliance Sustainable Agriculture Research Initiative. Collaboration with research teams in the Department of Plant Sciences and Soil Science at the University of Saskatchewan and the University of Guelph will provide enhanced training opportunities.
Interested students should have the following qualifications:
• Masters of Science in soil science, microbiology, environmental science, agronomy, or related discipline
• Sound understanding of microbial processes of soil nitrogen cycling, including N2O production and consumption
• Excellent written and oral communication skills
• Ability to work independently and in teams
• Experience in a laboratory work environment is required
Students will be paid a stipend of $27,000 per year for 4 years. Additional scholarship opportunities are available. Students have the option to be part of the Food-Water Nexus Education & Training NSERC CREATE program.
Interested candidates should submit a CV, a one page statement of research interest, and unofficial transcripts to bobbi.helgason@usask.ca.
Start date: September 2024 or January 2025
Website: researchers.usask.ca/bobbi-helgason/index.php
For more information, click here!
Root and residue contributions to soil organic matter under contrasting nitrogen fertilization across diverse canola genotypes
Drs. Bobbi Helgason and Melissa Arcand are seeking a MSc student to conduct research to examine crop carbon inputs on soil organic matter dynamics under contrasting nitrogen fertilization to canola. The student’s project will involve conducting greenhouse studies that employ stable isotope labelling of plants and 13C tracing into soil organic matter pools and the soil microbial community. The student will learn a diversity of complex laboratory techniques in soil microbiology and biochemistry. The Department of Soil Science is home to a newly updated state of the art Stable Isotope Facility. Candidates interested in learning about plant-soil relationships on soil fertility and carbon sequestration are encouraged to apply. This project is part of a larger project “Getting more from less – enhancing nitrogen use efficiency and carbon sequestration in canola” funded through the Canola AgriScience Research Cluster.
Interested students should have the following qualifications:
• Undergraduate degree in soil science, environmental science, microbiology, crop science, agronomy, or related discipline
• Strong communication skills
• Ability to work independently and in teams
• Experience in a laboratory work environment is considered an asset
Students will be paid a stipend of $24,000 per year for 2.5 years. Additional scholarship opportunities are available. Students have the option to be part of the Food-Water Nexus Education & Training NSERC CREATE program (https://water.usask.ca/fwnet-create/).
Interested candidates should submit a CV, a one page statement of research interest, and unofficial transcripts to melissa.arcand@usask.ca.
Start date: January 2025 or May 2025
For more information, click here!
Trent University, INRS (Institut National de la Rercherche Scientifique), and Laval University invite applications for fifteen graduate positions in environmental sciences of rare earth elements as critical minerals. 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 candidates will take an active role in planning and executing the research ideas, field and laboratory work in different graduate programs at Trent, INRS and Laval Universities.
Requirements: The positions are ideally suited for scholars (BSc, MSc holders) in environmental sciences, with a solid knowledge of ecotoxicology, biogeochemistry, microbiology, plant sciences, forestry or environmental modeling. We particularly seek a robust technical proficiency in advanced chemical/molecular analyses.
We offer: Fully funded scholarships, innovative & applied research topics, and well-equipped laboratories in environmental sciences, ecotoxicology & molecular (micro)biology.
How to apply: The application package should include (i) a cover letter outlining how the candidate fulfills the requirements, (ii) a full CV, (iii) academic transcripts and (iv) a list of contacts of three referees. The email subject should include the position of interest.
Applications should be sent as a single PDF to Dr. Huy Dang, Assistant Professor at Trent University: huydang@trentu.ca.
For more information, click here!
The 4R Nutrient Stewardship Industrial Research Chair Program, under the leadership of Dr. Mario Tenuta, is currently seeking a candidate for training leading to an M.Sc. or Ph.D. degree in Precision 4R Management.
Background: Commercial farm fields are heterogeneous for soil properties in space and time. Consequently, yield and N2O emissions from nitrogen (N) fertilizer additions are also variable in fields. To address this spatial and temporal variability, Precision Agriculture was developed to improve nutrient use efficiency by matching N addition-induced yield response to landscape position and soil properties within a field.
Project Summary: The successful applicant will undertake graduate research to determine the extent to which N2O emissions reductions and improved profitability of canola can be achieved by combining the Precision Agriculture practice of tailoring N rates with the 4R Management practice of using a nitrification inhibitor, a management approach we call Precision 4R. The student will assist with experimental design, setup, sample collection, sample analysis and processing. They will also report results to farmers and industry through field tours and presentations. Ph.D. candidates will also be responsible for synthesizing results from data collected at two additional field sites in Saskatchewan.
Learn more about the 4R Industrial Research Chair Program and Faculty of Agricultural and Food Sciences (U of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Canada).
For more information on the opportunity, eligibility, and how to apply, click here.
The 4R Nutrient Stewardship Industrial Research Chair Program, under the leadership of Dr. Mario Tenuta, is currently seeking a candidate for training leading to an M.Sc. or Ph.D. degree in Sustainable 4R Potato Production in Canada.
Background: The need to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from agriculture is great, but potato producers are rightly concerned that reducing N2O emissions may negatively impact yield, supply, quality, and profitability.
Project Summary: The successful applicant will undertake graduate research to quantify greenhouse gas emissions reductions achievable using 4R nitrogen (N) management practices and improved N use efficient potato varieties in Canada, without sacrificing the yield and quality of fresh and processing potatoes. The student will assist with experimental design, setup, sample collection, sample analysis and processing. They will also report results to farmers and industry through field tours and presentations. Ph.D. candidates will also be responsible for synthesizing results from data collected at three additional field sites in Alberta, New Brunswick, and Prince Edward Island.
Learn more about the 4R Industrial Research Chair Program and Faculty of Agricultural and Food Sciences (U of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Canada).
For more information on the opportunity, eligibility, and how to apply, click here.
The 4R Nutrient Stewardship Industrial Research Chair Program, under the leadership of Dr. Mario Tenuta, is currently seeking a candidate for training leading to an M.Sc. or Ph.D. degree in Sustainable 4R Wheat Production in Canada.
Background: Spring wheat is Canada’s second most valued export grain commodity and restrictions in nitrogen (N) fertilizer use to significantly reduce nitrous oxide (N2O) emissions would severely impact sustainability of farms across the Prairies. Past research in Canada and globally have shown practices from the 4R Nutrient Stewardship framework can reduce emissions.
Project Summary: The successful applicant will undertake graduate research to determine the benefit of combinations of 4R practices including split application, inhibitor-treated urea, and reduced rate urea addition to agronomic performance of and reduced N2O emissions from Canadian Western Red Spring Wheat. The student will assist with experimental design, setup, sample collection, sample analysis and processing. They will also report results to farmers and industry through field tours and presentations. Ph.D. candidates will also be responsible for synthesizing results from data collected at four additional sites in Alberta and Saskatchewan.
Learn more about the 4R Industrial Research Chair Program and Faculty of Agricultural and Food Sciences (U of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Canada).
For more information on the opportunity, eligibility, and how to apply, click here.
The 4R Nutrient Stewardship Industrial Research Chair Program, under the leadership of Dr. Mario Tenuta, is currently seeking a candidate for training leading to an M.Sc. or Ph.D. degree in Micrometeorology and Net Greenhouse Gas Emissions of long-term agricultural study sites.
Background: Reducing greenhouse gas emissions from agricultural fields is an important step towards achieving 30% reductions below the 2005 level in Canada by the year 2030. Past research in Canada and globally have shown practices from the 4R Nutrient Stewardship framework can reduce emissions. One of these practices is applying fertilizer amended with a nitrification inhibitor.
Project Summary: The successful applicant will undertake graduate research to determine the extent to which whole-year N2O and CO2 net emissions reductions from long-term field study sites can be achieved through applying nitrogen fertilizer with a nitrification inhibitor. N2O fluxes are determined using the flux-gradient method. The two study sites are located on heavy clay soil and lighter sandy soil; the project will focus on comparing emissions from two contrasting soil types of the Canadian Prairies. The student will assist with experimental design, setup and maintenance, sample collection, sample analysis and processing. They will also report results to farmers and industry through field tours and presentations.
Learn more about the 4R Industrial Research Chair Program and Faculty of Agricultural and Food Sciences (U of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Canada).
For more information on the opportunity, eligibility, and how to apply, click here.
The 4R Nutrient Stewardship Industrial Research Chair Program, under the leadership of Dr. Mario Tenuta, is currently seeking several candidates for training leading to M.Sc. and Ph.D. degrees in Indirect N2O Emissions, specifically as ammonia (NH3) loss from agricultural soil.
Background: A major gap in Canada’s ability to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050 is reducing emissions of ammonia losses from fertilizers. Hydrolysis of urea fertilizers at the soil surface results in NH3 emissions, a fraction of which is converted to N2O upon deposition to soil and is thus a major indirect N2O source. Subsurface placement of urea fertilizers can reduce NH3 emissions, but this application method may be prevented by soil conditions, high moisture, and established roots. Alternatively, urease inhibitors can reduce NH3 losses from surface-applied urea, but their effectiveness and the effect of soil type is unknown. There is also concern that urease inhibitors may cause “pollution swapping”, where reducing indirect N2O emissions by preventing hydrolysis of urea fertilizers keeps NH3 in the ground leading to increased nitrification and ultimately an increase in direct N2O emissions.
Project Summary: Successful applicants will undertake graduate research to address one or more of the following objectives: (1) develop an accurate and feasible micrometeorological method of estimating NH3 emissions, (2) develop and verify the suitability of a new quantitative dosimeter method for estimating NH3 emissions, (3) determine the benefit of urease inhibitors to reduce greenhouse gas emissions (NH3, N2O, CO2), (4) establish the most effective urease inhibitors and concentrations and soils to use them in, and (5) investigate if pollution swapping is a real concern for the Prairies and if eligibility of single inhibitor products in cost-share programs can be removed and thus encourage adoption of the inhibitors and realize reduction in N2O emissions.
Students will assist with experimental design, setup and maintenance, sample collection, sample analysis and processing. Ph.D. candidates will learn hard skills in the operation, troubleshooting and maintenance of gas sampling systems as well as micrometeorological monitoring systems (3-D sonic anemometers, weather stations including soil moisture and temperature monitoring, and data logger programming,) as well as MATLAB programming for two methods of micrometeorological flux estimation (flux-gradient, dispersion) as well as footprint analysis of area contributing to flux measures. All students will also report results to farmers and industry through field tours and presentations.
Learn more about the 4R Industrial Research Chair Program and Faculty of Agricultural and Food Sciences (U of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Canada).
For more information on the opportunity, eligibility, and how to apply, click here.