April 4, 2024

Position: 2 PhDs and 1 MSc Positions in Water Resources Engineering, University of Alberta

Start Date: September 2024

Project: Hydrologic-Hydraulic Modeling for Improving Ice Jam Flood Mapping

We are currently looking to welcome 2 PhD and 1 Master’s students to the Water Resources
Engineering graduate program at the University of Alberta (UAlberta). The students will join a
collaborative research group focused on studying ice jam, hydrologic and hydraulic modeling,
and flood mapping.

What is an ice jam? That’s a great question! An ice jam is when large pieces of floating ice
accumulate in rivers or bodies of water, obstructing flow, often during the spring thaw. These
jams can cause flooding. Ice jams are common in cold climates and pose risks to communities
and infrastructure along waterways.

What would I be working on?

● MSc 1. You will conduct fieldwork, analyze ice jam characteristics, and assess their
hydrologic implications.
● PhD 1. You will conduct fieldwork and integrate ice jam processes into hydraulic models.
● PhD 2. You will work on hydrologic modeling and climate change impacts.

Will I get paid? Yes! For a Canadian student, we will guarantee a minimum level of funding of
$24,000/year. For an international student, we will guarantee a minimum of $26,400/year to
help cover the higher tuition paid by international students. Continued funding and program
completion is subject to satisfactory performance from the candidate. Students are also eligible
for scholarships and awards and can earn extra by optionally working as a Teaching Assistant.
Graduate students at the UAlberta also have access to benefits including a health and dental
plan, subsidised access to local transit systems, and support for graduate students who are
parents.

What are the minimum qualifications?

● MSc applicants need a bachelor's degree in civil or environmental engineering, remote
sensing, or a related field.
● PhD applicants need a master's degree in civil engineering, earth science, or a related field.
● A minimum GPA of 3.0 out of 4 on the most recent two-years of full-time study.

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● Ability to demonstrate English language proficiency through previous training or an English
language exam. English is the language of instruction at UAlberta.
● More information on application requirements can be found here.

This sounds great! How do I apply? Please get in touch with us by completing this Google Form.

What is the deadline to apply? The position will remain open until filled, but the application
deadline for students looking to commence their studies in Fall 2024 is coming up fast. This
deadline is April 15, 2024 for international students, and May 15, 2024 for Canadian students.

What else should I know? The Water Resources Engineering group at UAlberta is a very
knowledgeable, supportive, and collaborative group. Students learn from experts in a variety of
fields (e.g., river ice, hydrology, hydraulics, water management) and have the opportunity to
present their own research at local, national, and international conferences. New students will
also have the chance to interact with the Alberta the River Forecast Centre at Alberta
Environment and Protected Areas (EPA). There are also many opportunities for professional
development in areas including research communication and teaching.

Here are some other useful links:

● Graduate Studies – Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering (information on
our degree programs and how to apply)
● Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering Graduate Studies Handbook
(department-specific information on graduate programs and program requirements)
● Faculty of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies (all kinds of great information about
graduate studies at the UAlberta, including Awards and Funding)
● Graduate Students’ Association

We are committed to building an equitable, diverse, and inclusive research team and encourage
candidates from all backgrounds to apply, especially those from groups which have traditionally
been underrepresented in engineering. The most important thing is your interest in and
excitement about pursuing a graduate degree in Water Resources Engineering.

If you have any questions about this position or graduate school in general, please send us an
email and mention this job posting.

We look forward to hearing from you!

Yuntong She, PhD, PEng Jennifer Nafzigar, PhD, PEng Hongli Liu, PhD
Associate Professor Assistant Professor Assistant Professor
yshe@ualberta.ca jnafzige@ualberta.ca hongli.liu@ualberta.ca

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