M.Sc./Ph.D. Opportunities Available
Arctic Microbial Ecology or Geochemistry
University of Saskatchewan
Interested microbial ecology students should contact:
Steven Siciliano
E-mail: steven.siciliano [at] usask.ca
Interested chemistry students should contact:
Derek Peak
E-mail: derek.peak [at] usask.ca
As part of a NSERC Special Research Opportunity and in association with
the Geological and Nuclear Sciences Institute of New Zealand, the
University of Saskatchewan is seeking two students to work in Canada's
Arctic. These students will work closely together to investigate if low
temperature extremophiles from the Arctic can serve as biocatalysts for
the production of secondary mineral precipitates. In turn these mineral
precipitates would sorb contaminants such as arsenic and mercury and
sequester them from waters. The proposed research will determine the
microorganisms that are most effective in producing biogenic
geosorbents, the structure and surface chemistry of these geosorbents,
and their reactivity with mercury, arsenite, and arsenate. Finally, the
project will study how nutrient status and microbial metabolic state
influences the sequestration of arsenic and mercury. Upon completion of
the project, a predictive model based upon molecular-scale spectroscopy
and macroscopic laboratory data will be developed, and the feasibility
of biogenic mineral production in bioremediation can then be assessed.
We are searching for two students with distinct but complimentary areas
of expertise. One student will focus on the microbiology of these Arctic
environments focussing on the microorganisms responsible for the
production and consumption of biogenic sorbents. The second student will
focus on the chemistry of these biogenic sorbents using tools currently
available at the Canadian Light Source, a 3rd generation synchrotron
facility located on the University of Saskatchewan campus. Candidates
will have a strong background at the M.Sc. level in microbiology,
chemistry, soil science, or an allied biological discipline and would be
interested in obtaining their Ph.D. in Soil Science at the University of
Saskatchewan. Experience in polar environments would be beneficial but
not essential. The student will be expected to travel to Canada's north
in remote environments. The Department of Soil Science at the University
of Saskatchewan has an extensive field program and facilities for
biogeochemical research. In addition, the University of Saskatchewan
offers competitive graduate stipends. NSERC supported Ph.D. candidates
can expect to receive additional stipend funds for a combined Ph.D.
stipend of $32,500 per year. Students could start at any time on this
project but must be willing to begin the project by 1 May 2005 at the
latest.
Interested microbial ecology students should contact:
Steven Siciliano
E-mail: steven.siciliano [at] usask.ca
Interested chemistry students should contact:
Derek Peak
E-mail: derek.peak [at] usask.ca