Research Associate (Limited Term)

Job title: Research Associate (Limited Term)

About the Role The University of Toronto Scarborough invites applicants for a Research Associate (Limited Term) to conduct field and laboratory research on the effects of sulphate elevation on coupled carbon and phosphorus cycling in Lake Ontario catchment aquatic ecosystems. This is a 1-year term appointment at 87.5% FTE to support the research program led by Prof. Maria Dittrich.

What You'll Do

• Design and execute field and laboratory experiments on the impact of elevated sulphur on phosphorus, iron and carbon dynamics in lake sediments, including multi-station sampling campaigns and ship logistics.
• Develop and refine sequential fractionation techniques for sulphur, iron, manganese, and phosphorus in lake sediment samples and sediment slurries, and link the impacts to microbial activities.
• Characterize sediments using advanced structural analysis (XRD, Rietveld refinement), TGA/DSC, SEM/EDX, HRTEM, UV/Vis, FTIR and Raman spectroscopy.
• Perform laboratory experiments on sulphur and oxygen isotopes in sulphate and phosphate, testing hypotheses about changes in pathways.
• Collaborate with team members to develop detailed research plans, write proposals, and manage laboratory instruments.
• Prepare high-quality research reports, publications, and presentations for dissemination in peer-reviewed journals and conferences.
• Mentor and assist in training graduate and undergraduate students in relevant research techniques.
• Support the overall research and teaching missions of M. Dittrich’s research group.

What We're Looking For

• Ph.D. in Geochemistry, Biogeochemistry, Environmental Sciences, or a related field, with 5+ years of post-PhD research in sediment–water interface biogeochemistry of freshwater, coastal, and marine systems.
• Experience in designing field lake and coastal systems, including planning and executing multi-station sampling campaigns and ship logistics.
• Experience designing and conducting laboratory experiments with multi-treatment sediment incubation under controlled sulphate gradients to quantify sulphate–phosphorus–iron coupling, benthic flux dynamics, and reactive cycling.
• Demonstrated expertise in stable isotope geochemistry of sulphur and phosphorus in sedimentary systems and phosphorus isotope geochemistry.
• Hands-on expertise in sequential extraction techniques for sediment S, P, Fe, Mn and sequential fractionation of P and Fe pools.
• Proven ability to recover and sub-sample intact gravity cores, with high-resolution porewater extraction and depth-resolved sampling using Niskin/CTD, YSI, and PAR systems.
• Practical bench skills including ICP-OES, GC-IRMS, ion chromatography, and spectrophotometric nutrient analyses.
• Experience analyzing microbial communities and linking microbial community structure to sediment geochemistry.
• Proficiency in data analysis and generation of publication-quality figures.
• Strong publication record in international peer-reviewed journals, excellent analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills, and ability to work collaboratively and independently.

Nice to Have

• Proficiency with field planning and coordination in complex aquatic systems and experience presenting at conferences.

Compensation & Benefits

• Pro-rated annual salary at 87.5% FTE: $46,830 – $87,806.25 USD
• Targeted hiring rate: $30/hour
• Pro-rated hours of work: 31.72 hours/week
• This is a 1-year limited-term appointment with potential extension pending supervisor approval and funding.