The University of Saskatchewan is a research-lead university situated in the picturesque city of Saskatoon, Canada. Founded in 1907, the university is especially renowned for its contributions to medical research. Saskatchewan’s impressive scientific research facilities include the Canadian Light Source, a research centre specialising in health, agriculture and the environment. Saskatchewan is also the only Canadian university to have partnered with the University of Oxford in the UK, which allows its students to embark on a year’s study at the prestigious St Anne’s College. The partnership came about after the Oxford College expressed a particular interest in the way Saskatchewan had incorporated a focus on aboriginal culture into its mission.
We’re recruiting a MSc student to work on stable isotope tracing of C and N during crop residue decomposition. $26k/y CAD stipend with additional scholarship opportunities available, May or September start date
C and N tracking from crop residue decomposition using stable isotopes: Drs. Bobbi Helgason and Melissa Arcand are seeking a MSc student to conduct research that will examine residue quality characteristics on the fate of carbon and nitrogen during decomposition of residues of important field crops in an effort to optimize C sequestration and predict N transfer credit in prairie cropping systems.
The student’s project will involve a combination of field and laboratory research, learning and employing techniques in stable isotope tracing, soil organic matter characterization, and soil microbiology. The Department of Soil Science is home to a newly updated state of the art Stable Isotope Facility. Candidates interested in learning about plant-soil relationships on soil fertility and carbon sequestration are encouraged to apply.
Interested students should have the following qualifications:
Undergraduate degree in soil science, environmental science, microbiology, crop science, agronomy, or related discipline, Strong communication skills, Ability to work independently and in teams, Experience doing agricultural field work is considered an asset, Experience in a laboratory work environment is considered an asset.
Students will be paid a stipend of $26,000 per year for 2.5 years. Additional scholarship opportunities are available. Interested candidates should submit a CV, a one page statement of research interest, and unofficial transcripts to bobbi.helgason@usask.ca . Start date: May 2023 or no later than September 2023.
Website: https://researchers.usask.ca/bobbi-helgason/opportunities.php