Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Carleton University
The Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering at Carleton University is accepting applications for a postdoctoral fellowship in Leveraging wireless soil monitoring technology to support green asset management and maintenance. The preferred start date is May 2026 but fall and winter 2026 start dates will also be considered, with a duration of 12 months, with the possibility of renewal. The postdoctoral fellow will conduct research related to the use of IoT devices for green asset monitoring and maintenance.
Department Background Information
The Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering at Carleton University (located in Ottawa, Canada). More information is available at https://carleton.ca/cee/
Research Project Overview
The postdoctoral fellow will investigate how to best use multi-parameter data (soil moisture, humidity, temperature and colour) to monitor growing conditions and develop business intelligence (warnings, alerts, automatic control of remote assets) related to plant health. This work will be completed in collaboration with Ginkgo Sustainability and SoiLiNQ. As a PDF you will have the opportunity to:
- Develop sensor calibration and installation practices for natural and manufactured soils
- Investigate the impact soil moisture has on stormwater retention and evapotranspiration rates,
- Investigate ecological responses, including plant performance characteristics and microbiome diversity, to growing conditions,
- Test prediction models for ET losses, stormwater retention and hospitable growth conditions associated with invasive species, and/or disease.
Research Project Supervisor and Principal Investigator
Prof. Drake in a Canada Research Chair Tier II – Stormwater and Low Impact Development. She has distinguished herself as one of Canada’s leading experts in stormwater management, low-impact development (LID) and green infrastructure. Her work draws heavily on principles of sustainability, best management practices and holistic, interdisciplinary design, and she has made significant contributions that have advanced stormwater design, operations, and maintenance for the unique climate and urban environments of Canadian cities. Dr. Drake is distinctive in that her research has advanced the state of knowledge for a broad and diverse range of stormwater systems, including conventional conveyance and end-of-pipe controls, vegetated or living infrastructure and infiltration-based technologies.
Salary
The postdoctoral fellow will be offered a salary of $70,000 per annum, with the ability to opt into an extended health and dental benefits plan.
Position Duties and Responsibilities
The incumbent of this position will, under the direction of Dr. Drake, be responsible for leading the research activities of the project, including but not limited to the following core responsibilities:
- Develop sensor calibration and installation practices for natural and manufactured soils
- Investigate the impact soil moisture has on stormwater retention and evapotranspiration rates,
- Investigate ecological responses, including plant performance characteristics and microbiome diversity, to growing conditions,
- Test prediction models for ET losses, stormwater retention and hospitable growth conditions associated with invasive species, and/or disease.
- Collaborate with stakeholders from academia, industry, and federal governments.
- Publish findings in high-impact peer-reviewed journals and present at national and international conferences.
- Mentor graduate and undergraduate students involved in the project.
- Support funding proposals and the development of knowledge mobilization materials.
Job Requirements
- A doctoral degree in Engineering (Civil, Environmental, Water Resources) or a related science field (Ecology, Soil Science, Biology).
- Experience working with environmental sensors (e.g. capacitance soil moisture sensors, IoT devices), lab-based research and/or data analysis software (e.g., R, Python, MATLAB).
- Strong publication record in peer-reviewed journals.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
Valuable Skills & Experience
- Preferences will be given to candidates with strong quantitative skills and a proven publication record in one or more of the following areas: green roofs, low-impact development,
- Hands-on experience completing field research studies and experience working with environmental monitoring equipment, soil analysis methods and equipment, environmental data sensors and loggers (e.g., SoiLiNQ, Raspberry Pi, IoT devices)
Accommodation and Accessibility
Should you require a copy of this posting in an alternate format, please contact us as soon as possible, and we would be happy to get one to you in a timely manner. We believe in the importance of supporting on-the-job success for the incumbent and are pleased to discuss and/or provide, subject to budgetary approval, specific tools, resources or other requirements for day-to-day work requirements, as needed.
About Carleton University
Carleton University is a dynamic and innovative research and teaching institution with a
national and international reputation as a leader in collaborative teaching and learning, research
and governance. To learn more about our university and the City of Ottawa, please visit
www.carleton.ca/provost.
Carleton University is committed to fostering diversity within its community as a source of
excellence, cultural enrichment, and social strength. We welcome those who would contribute
to the further diversification of our university including but not limited to: women; visible
minorities; First Nations, Inuit and MĂ©tis peoples; persons with disabilities; and persons of
any sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression.
We thank all applicants for their interest, however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted. If contacted for an interview, please inform us should accommodation be required,
and arrangements will be made in a timely manner. All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply.
How to Apply
Candidates interested in applying for this fellowship opportunity are invited to submit their cover letter and resume/CV to Jennifer Drake at jennifer.drake@carleton.ca. Contact information for a minimum of 2 references. References will only be contacted in case of short-listing.
Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled.
