Graduate Position in watershed hydrology and soil erosion at
the University of New Brunswick
Jan 16, 2012
We are seeking a highly motivated and talented M.Sc. or Ph.D. student in area of “hydrology,
soil erosion and soil conservation”
The student will participate a team research project titled “Channels in agricultural landscapes
and their roles in hydrology, soil erosion and nutrient losses”. Historical soil erosion studies
carried out in the potato belt of Eastern Canada have been focused on water erosion at the plotscale. It has been recognized that there exists a scale effect and it is difficult to link observations
at the plot-scale directly to those at the watershed-scale. One reason for the scale effect is the
intermediate processes in channels. In this study, an interdisciplinary team, with researchers
located across North America and overseas, was formed to examine the functions of channels
through three interlinked components. In component 1, experimental plots will be established to
monitor channel development and gully erosion. In component 2, naturally-formed and manmade
channels will be selected and soil samples will be collected to measure Cs-137, particle size
distribution, soil organic carbon and C-14. These measurements will be used together with
erosion models to quantify tillage and water erosion and their interactions. In component 3, a
field survey of channels, coupled with terrain analysis, will be used to investigate the influences
of manmade features on surface water hydrology and to develop a channel classification system
based on their functions.
Position description
 The position will be based in Fredericton, NB at the University of New Brunswick and
the Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (AAFC)
 The position is available immediately and will be open until filled
 Supervisors: Prof. Fan-Rui Meng in Forestry & Environmental Management, UNB and
Dr. Sheng Li in the Potato Research Centre, AAFC
 Stipend: 18000 – 21000 / yr
Requirement
 Fluent in English (spoken and writing), with good academic records.
 Background in a relevant area of agri-environmental science such as soil science,
hydrology, physical geography, agro-ecology, forestry, forest engineering or
environmental science.
 Willingness to work in both field and laboratory settings
 Willingness to travel and work in remote locations
 Be able to work in a team environment and to communicate with collaborators and the
partners effectively
Contact
 Dr. Sheng Li, email: Sheng.Li@agr.gc.ca