The Université du Québec à Montréal (UQAM) is offering a fully funded PhD scholarship in hydrology and hydrogeology. This opportunity focuses on utilizing nature-based solutions (NBS) to mitigate hydrological risks, such as floods and droughts, in agricultural settings.
Water quantity and quality issues in agricultural watersheds are likely to be amplified by climate change. More frequent droughts and heavy rainfall events can influence how water is stored and drained, which can impact how nutrients are transported. Nature-based solutions (NBS), including wetlands, floodplains and forests, are increasingly being considered to mitigate hydrometeorological risks and increase watershed resilience to climate.
The overall objective of this PhD project is to better understand how Nature-based solutions (NBS) can reduce hydrological risks and contribute to climate change adaptation in agricultural areas. The specific objectives are to:
- Document the role of existing Nature-based solutions (NBS) in agricultural areas of southern Canada
- Quantify how Nature-based solutions (NBS affect surface and groundwater flows and quality, and
- Determine which Nature-based solutions (NBS) have the greatest potential to reduce hydrological risks and improve water quality in agricultural watersheds.
In essence, the project will investigate the effectiveness of NBS in reducing water-related risks and promoting climate adaptation, an essential concern in light of increasing climate variability.
Scholarship Details:
- Institution: Université du Québec à Montréal (UQAM)
- Research Area: Hydrology and Hydrogeology
- Research Focus: Quantifying the impact of nature-based solutions in reducing hydrological risks and improving climate adaptation, particularly within agricultural watersheds.
Agriculture is significantly affected by climate change, with altered precipitation patterns, increased risk of extreme weather events, and changes in water quality. Nature-based solutions, which include ecosystem approaches like restoring wetlands, forest management, and riparian buffers, have been recognized as effective methods to mitigate these effects. This PhD project aims to develop a comprehensive understanding of how such solutions can reduce water risks while maintaining ecosystem balance.
Responsibilities: The PhD candidate will be responsible for field data collection, numerical modeling, and working closely with international collaborators. The research will involve documenting the effects of various NBS on water flow and quality, focusing on flood control and water purification in agricultural watersheds.
Eligibility:
- A Master’s degree in Earth Sciences, Civil Engineering, Environmental Science, or a related field.
- Candidates should have a strong background in hydrology, hydrogeology, or numerical modeling.
- Fluency in French is required as the primary working language at UQAM is French.
Funding:
- A generous stipend of $25,000 per year is provided for up to four years with additional funding opportunities. This financial support covers research expenses, living costs, and other associated costs.
Supervision: The project will be co-supervised by Professor Marie Larocque, an expert in groundwater systems at UQAM, and Professor Jana Levison from the University of Guelph, who specializes in sustainable water management practices.
Location and Facilities: UQAM, located in the vibrant city of Montreal, provides a stimulating research environment with access to state-of-the-art facilities and close collaboration with research centers such as Geotop. The candidate will also benefit from fieldwork opportunities in agricultural areas affected by climate variability.
Application Process: Interested applicants should prepare a detailed CV, a cover letter outlining their research interests, and references. Applications are due before January 2025, and the selected candidate will begin their PhD in early 2025.
TO APPLY
Send by email to larocque.marie@uqam.ca :
- Cover letter
- Complete CV
- BSc and MSc transcripts
- Contact information for two contact persons
For more detailed information and to apply, visit the official page of Geotop. or Check our Scholarship Portal for More Scholarship Opportunities
This is an excellent opportunity for aspiring researchers looking to contribute to sustainable water management and climate adaptation strategies.
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