MSc Candidate Position: Long-term effects of acid rain on organic matter quality in lakes

We are currently recruiting a MSc student to join our team at the Forest Research Institute of the Université du Québec en Abitibi-Témiscamingue (UQAT). The student will take on a research project investigating the effects of atmospheric acid deposition on organic matter in aquatic ecosystems.

During the 20^th century, acid rain caused severe environmental damage across NE North America, acidifying soils and lakes. In its most severe form, this led to forest dieback and fish kills. Over time, with reductions in acidic emissions, affected ecosystems started to recover, with an often immediate chemical but delayed biological recovery. Changes in soil acidity strongly affect the transport of organic matter from the landscape to rivers and lakes. Organic matter plays a key role in ecosystem functioning, influencing water quality, algal and fish communities, as well as carbon emissions from aquatic environments to the atmosphere. Lake sediments are natural archives that allow us to reconstruct how forests and lakes have changed in the past over hundreds of years and longer. This project will use lake sediment records to assess how acid rain has altered the composition of organic matter in lakes during the 20^th century.

The student will work under the supervision of Professor Carsten Meyer-Jacob (UQAT) and Dr. Erik Emilson (Natural Resources Canada, Great Lakes Forestry Centre, Sault Ste. Marie) and will gain experience in both university and federal government research facilities. This project involves lab work and will use biogeochemical and spectroscopic techniques to characterize changes in organic matter quality in lakes over time.

This is a fully funded 2-year position with an anticipated start date in Fall 2024. Further details on the MSc program at UQAT (Maîtrise en écologie et aménagement des écosystèmes forestiers) are available at https://www.uqat.ca/etudes/irf/maitrise-en-ecologie/.

Start Date: Winter 2025

Financial Support: Scholarship of 21,000$ per year for 2 years

Requirements:

- Bachelor degree or equivalent in Biology, Earth or Environmental Sciences, or related fields

- Lab work experience (or interest)

- Ability to communicate in written and spoken English

- Ability to work independently and in teams

- Motivated to learn and passionate about environmental change and solving environmental issues

- Previous experience in paleolimnology, aquatic ecology, and/or biogeochemistry are advantageous