Description
Area: Isotope Hydrology, Hydrogeochemistry
Duration: One year, with the possibility of renewal
Start Date: Immediate
Salary: $60,000+ CAD per year, commensurate with experience, plus a comprehensive benefits package
The Hydrologic Analysis Laboratory (UC-HAL) at the University of Calgary invites applications for a Postdoctoral Fellow specializing in isotope hydrology and hydrogeochemistry.
The successful candidate will join a multidisciplinary research team investigating groundwater contributions to streamflow across Alberta using geochemical and isotopic tracers. This work is part of a province-wide initiative aimed at improving understanding of groundwater¿surface water interactions to support water-resource management and policy decisions.
The Postdoctoral Fellow will be based in either the Department of Civil Engineering or the Department of Earth, Energy and Environment and will work closely with University of Calgary researchers and collaborators from Alberta Environment and Protected Areas.
Position Description
We seek a recent PhD graduate with expertise in isotope hydrology, aqueous geochemistry, and quantitative data analysis. The successful candidate will analyze a comprehensive provincial geochemical and isotopic database to estimate groundwater contributions to streamflow using approaches such as: end-member mixing analysis (EMMA), ensemble hydrograph separation, Bayesian and statistical modelling approaches.
The Postdoctoral Fellow will lead the isotope and geochemical analysis component of the project while collaborating with researchers applying numerical hydrological models, integrated groundwater¿surface water models, and temperature-based methods for estimating groundwater contributions.
The successful candidate will also have opportunities to mentor graduate students and contribute to publications, conference presentations, and future funding initiatives.
The initial appointment is for one year and may be renewed for a second year, subject to satisfactory performance and funding availability.
Qualifications
Applicants must hold a PhD in Earth Sciences, Geology, Hydrology, Hydrogeology, Civil Engineering, Geological Engineering, Environmental Engineering, or a related discipline.
Candidates should demonstrate expertise in one or more of the following areas:
-
Isotope hydrology
-
Aqueous geochemistry
-
Statistical analysis of environmental datasets
-
Scientific writing and publication
Preference will be given to candidates with experience applying geochemical and isotopic tracers to hydrological investigations.
In addition, applicants should possess:
-
A PhD awarded within five years of the proposed start date
-
A strong publication record relative to career stage
-
Excellent written and oral communication skills
-
The ability to work both independently and collaboratively within an interdisciplinary research environment
-
Strong organizational and project-management skills, including science communication
-
Proficiency with common scientific computing and data-analysis tools
Applicants should describe their interest in interdisciplinary research and innovation in their cover letter.
Application Details
Applications should be submitted through the University of Calgary Careers Portal by September 1, 2026, at 11:59 PM MDT.
Applications must include:
-
A cover letter outlining motivation, qualifications, research interests, and availability date
-
A current curriculum vitae (CV)
-
Copies of academic transcripts and degree certificates (official or unofficial)
-
Contact information for at least two referees familiar with the applicant's research and academic experience
Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled.
Only applicants selected for an interview will be contacted. In accordance with Canadian immigration requirements, priority will be given to Canadian citizens and permanent residents, although all qualified applicants are encouraged to apply.
Applicants should review the University of Calgary Postdoctoral Eligibility Guidelines before applying.
The terms and conditions of employment are covered under the UCalgary and PDAC Collective Agreement. To find out more about postdoctoral scholar program at the University of Calgary visit our Postdocs website.
To learn more about postdoctoral scholar opportunities at the University of Calgary, view our Postdoc Careers website.
About the University of Calgary
UCalgary is Canada's entrepreneurial university, located in Canada's most enterprising city. It is a top research university and one of the highest-ranked universities of its age. Founded in 1966, its 36,000 students experience an innovative learning environment, made rich by research, hands-on experiences and entrepreneurial thinking. It is Canada's leader in the creation of start-ups. Start something today at the University of Calgary. For more information, visit ucalgary.ca.
About Calgary, Alberta
Calgary is one of the world's cleanest cities and has been named one of the world's most livable cities for years. Calgary is a city of leaders' in business, community, philanthropy and volunteerism. Calgarians benefit from the strongest economy in the nation and enjoy more days of sunshine per year than any other major Canadian city. Calgary is less than an hour's drive from the Rocky Mountains and boasts the most extensive urban pathway and bikeway network in North America.
With a growing urban Indigenous population of approximately 50,000 people, there are several Indigenous organizations and many events and ceremonies taking place in the city throughout the year.
The University of Calgary has launched an institution-wide Indigenous Strategy ii' taa'poh'to'p committing to creating a rich, vibrant, and culturally competent campus that welcomes and supports Indigenous Peoples, encourages Indigenous community partnerships, is inclusive of Indigenous perspectives in all that we do.
The university's commitment to the Indigenous Strategy is evident through the oversight of 18 Elders serving on the Circle of Advisors and the many unit-based circles working towards implementation of the strategy including the Faculty Advisory Circle and teams such as the Office of Indigenous Engagement, the Writing Symbols Lodge, and the Indigenous Research Support Team. Many Indigenous-based events and processes are impacting curriculum, programming and polices at the University of Calgary.
As an equitable and inclusive employer, the University of Calgary recognizes that a diverse staff/faculty benefits and enriches the work, learning and research experiences of the entire campus and greater community. We are committed to removing barriers that have been historically encountered by some people in our society. We strive to recruit individuals who will further enhance our diversity and will support their academic and professional success while they are here. In particular, we encourage members of the designated groups (women, Indigenous peoples, persons with disabilities, members of visible/racialized minorities, and diverse sexual orientation and gender identities) to apply. To ensure a fair and equitable assessment, we offer accommodation at any stage during the recruitment process to applicants with disabilities. Questions regarding [diversity] EDI at UCalgary can be sent to the Office of Institutional Commitments ([email protected]) and requests for accommodations can be sent to People & Culture ([email protected]).
