Postdoctoral Fellowship in Arctic Trace Metal Biogeochemistry, Université Laval, University of Victoria, Canada

Job opportunities

22 May 2026

Aquatic Geochemistry Group – Université Laval / University of Victoria

Background
The Aquatic Geochemistry Group lead by Prof. Raoul Couture at Université Laval, in collaboration with the Cullen Lab at the University of Victoria, invites applications for a Postdoctoral Fellowship as part of the REFUGE Arctic program. REFUGE Arctic is a multi-year initiative operating within the international GEOTRACES framework, studying the impacts of environmental change on the high Arctic Ocean with a particular focus on the distribution and cycling of trace metals and metalloids across the Lincoln Sea, Nares Strait, and the fjords of Ellesmere Island and Greenland.


Project Description
The successful candidate will take primary responsibility for the analysis and scientific interpretation of a unique sample set of seawater, river, glacial meltwater, fjord and lake water samples collected along a salinity gradient during the 2024 REFUGE Arctic expedition aboard the CCGS Amundsen. All samples were collected using GEOTRACES-compliant trace-clean
protocols, using a Trace Metal Rosette and processed under Class-100 clean laboratory conditions on board.

Analyses will include dissolved (<0.2 μm), particulate and total concentrations of redox-sensitive oxyanion-forming trace elements (V, As, Se, Mo, Sn, Sb, Te) by ICP-MS/MS (Agilent 8900) coupled to an Elemental Scientific seaFAST-SP3 SC-4 EX system. The SP3 enables simultaneous online introduction through hydride generation (As, Sb, Se, Te), preconcentration (V), and direct injection with online dilution (Mo) from a single sample loading.

The postdoctoral researcher will work closely with Prof. Couture and Cullen as well as a PhD student in the group, to contextualize results within the broader REFUGE Arctic scientific framework. Active participation in the REFUGE Arctic research community, including collaboration with international partners and potential involvement in future field campaigns, is expected.

Key scientific questions include how ongoing regional climate change — including sea ice loss and glacial melt — affects the supply and cycling of micronutrient trace metals and legacy contaminants across major gateways of the Canadian Arctic, and what implications these changes carry for marine food webs and ecosystem function.

Qualifications

Required:

  • PhD in analytical chemistry, marine or aquatic geochemistry, oceanography, or a closely
    related field
  • Demonstrated experience with trace-clean sampling and laboratory techniques
  • Hands-on experience with ICP-MS or ICP-MS/MS analysis of aqueous environmental samples
  • Track record of research productivity as evidenced by peer-reviewed publications
  • Ability to work independently and collaboratively within a multidisciplinary team
  • Strong written and oral communication skills in English

Assets:

  • Experience with seaFAST matrix removal systems
  • Familiarity with collaborative data management and quality control protocols
  • Willingness to work in a primarily French-speaking research environment

Terms and Location

The primary appointment will be at Université Laval (Québec City, Canada) in the Department of Chemistry, with periods of collaboration at the University of Victoria (Victoria, BC) depending on analytical needs. The fellowship is of 60 000$ per year for two years, with the renewal being contingent on performance. The position is available immediately and will remain open until
filled.

Application Procedure

Interested applicants should submit the following as a single PDF:

  • A cover letter describing their relevant experience, motivation, and research interests
    (max 2 pages).
  • A curriculum vitae including a list of publications
  • Contact information for two academic or professional references

Applications should be sent to: raoul.couture@chm.ulaval.ca with the subject line “Postdoctoral Application – REFUGE Arctic.” We thank all applicants for their interest; only candidates selected for an interview will be contacted.

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