Postdoctoral Researcher in boreal and sub-Arctic biogeochemistry and climate change

Memorial University is seeking a Postdoctoral Researcher in boreal and sub-Arctic biogeochemistry and climate change for a full-time, 2-year position starting June 1, 2025. The role involves studying ecosystem responses to climate change and requires a PhD in natural sciences. Candidates will engage in community-based research, mentoring, and collaboration with diverse groups. The position is based in St. John's, Newfoundland, Canada.
Biogeochemistry of Boreal Ecosystems Research Group (BBERG), Earth Sciences Department, Memorial University of Newfoundland and Labrador St. John’s Campus led by Dr. Sue Ziegler, Tier 1 Canada Research Chair in Boreal Biogeochemistry. Memorial University is located in beautiful, historic St. John’s, Newfoundland in eastern Canada, and has a student population of ~18,000.

Postdoctoral researcher position within the Department of Earth Sciences: Starting as early as June 1st, 2025. Full-time 2-year position with potential for extension.

We are seeking a highly motivated researcher to join our team. Our research group specializes in advancing our understanding of high latitude ecosystem and landscape responses to climate change through the study of terrestrial-aquatic and river-marine interfaces and connections. We are a collaborative group of graduate, undergraduate, and high school students, technicians, coordinators, faculty and government researchers, and community members engaged in long-term environmental research centered around local and regional knowledge, needs and concerns in Newfoundland, Labrador, and Nunatsiavut (Inuit land claim area in northern Labrador). Our research culture and methods are based on values of unassuming respect, healthy, well-developed relationships, and accountability.

We are looking for individuals who align with our values including the placement of community-based initiatives and knowledge at the centre of our work, and who will thrive working in an anti-oppressive, consensus-based research space with diverse colleagues. Those interested in this postdoctoral researcher position should have research experience, having completed a PhD in the natural sciences (e.g. biology, chemistry, physics, biochemistry, geology, earth, environmental, or marine sciences). Successful candidates will be expected to work independently and as part of our community including some student co-mentoring and co-supervision. We are especially interested in those with experience and interests in hydrologic processes in boreal and sub-Arctic landscapes, and community-based monitoring methodologies.

Current research opportunities in our group include: (1) Evaluating controls on boreal landscape carbon balance and terrestrial-aquatic carbon fluxes through the study of soil and dissolved organic matter composition (e.g. biomarker analyses), (2) Developing predictive models and maps for mineral soil carbon stocks, and (3) Bridging scientific, local and Inuit knowledge to inform our understanding of coastal margin watersheds and ecosystems and their response to climate change. These opportunities include networking with researchers in the Nunatsiavut Government, Canadian Forest Service, Environment Climate Change Canada, Newfoundland and Labrador Geologic Survey, and faculty researchers at Memorial and other institutions in Canada and the U.S.. Researchers in our group have opportunities to carry out laboratory and field-based research with support from experienced individuals in our team including local and Indigenous field experts and collaborators at other institutions. Successful candidates will be provided support in ethical data collection and management, data processing and analyses, communications and writing. They will also have opportunities for training and mentoring research students.

Application details: Applications will be reviewed on an ongoing basis and continue until filled. We encourage informal inquiries via email. Please direct these to Dr. Sue Ziegler, Tier 1 Canada Research Chair in Boreal Biogeochemistry (sziegler@mun.ca) or other research group members based in St. John’s. To apply please submit your application to Dr. Sue Ziegler at sziegler@mun.ca (with subject line: BBERG Postdoctoral Position): (1) letter describing your background, suitability, and interests in research opportunities in our group, (2) CV, and (3) names and contact information for two references.