Postdoctoral Position in ‘Atmospheric Mercury Modeling’
The ‘Air Quality Research Division’ of the ‘Science and Technology Branch’ of
‘Environment Canada’ is seeking applicants for a postdoctoral position to conduct
research on global/regional modeling of mercury in the atmosphere. Environment
Canada intends to undertake an ecosystem mercury modeling project to assess the
benefits of reductions of mercury emissions targeted under Canada’s Clean Air
Regulatory Agenda (CARA). A process based multi-compartmental model will be
developed by linking Environment Canada’s atmospheric mercury model GRAHM, Trent
University/Macaulay Institute’s watershed INCA-Hg model and EPRI/Tetra Tech’s
aquatic D-MCM models. The proposed model will represent the pathways followed by
mercury from emissions to bioaccumulation in fish in lakes. The primary objective of the
proposed mercury ecosystem modeling is to provide a better scientific basis to estimate
the mercury-related benefits of CARA, through the use of models and supporting
research to predict the effects of proposed mercury (Hg) emissions reductions on fish Hg
concentrations. A second objective is to help distinguish these effects from two other
anthropogenic influences on Hg cycling and bioaccumulation: climate change and
sulphur deposition. A third objective is to help identify regional sensitivity and the extent
to which the mercury benefits of CARA may vary on a broad national scale.
Environment Canada’s Global/Regional Atmospheric Heavy Metals Model (GRAHM) is
an Eulerian, multi-scale atmospheric mercury model which simulates meteorological and
atmospheric mercury processes. The model simulates transport, transformation and
surface exchanges of three mercury species, namely, GEM, RGM and Hgp with
anthropogenic, terrestrial and oceanic emissions as sources. In the Polar Regions, the
model also includes processes related to the atmospheric mercury depletion events
(AMDEs). A new configuration of GRAHM at national and watershed scales is under
development which will be linked with the terrestrial and aquatic models. The incumbent
will be responsible for developing and improving the chemical and physical
parameterizations related to mercury cycling in the atmosphere in GRAHM according to
the latest scientific knowledge. The incumbent will also participate in all other aspects of
research related to the development of the proposed ecosystem mercury model. The
mercury chemical parameterization will be developed in close cooperation with a related
project under CARA which is investigating the mercury chemical kinetics in laboratory
studies. Extensive mercury measurement data is also being collected which will be used
for the evaluation of the model.
Candidates should hold Ph. D. in Atmospheric sciences or related field. Excellent
atmospheric numerical modeling skills are required. Understanding and experience in
relevant areas of modeling atmospheric chemistry and physics will be very beneficial.
The position offers attractive salary, work environment and collaboration opportunities.
Interested candidates should send their curriculum vitae and the names and contact
information of three references to: Dr. Ashu Dastoor by e-mail: ashu.dastoor@ec.gc.ca
or by mail: Modeling and Integration Research Section, Air Quality Research Division,
Science and Technology Branch, Environment Canada, 2121 Trans Canada Hwy, 5th
floor, Dorval, Quebec, Canada H9P 1J3.