Drinking Water Treatment Technology & Source Water Protection Master’s & PhD Positions Available
With the
Water Science, Technology & Policy Research Group and the forWater Network
Department of Civil & Environmental Engineering, University of Waterloo
The Water Science, Technology and Policy (WaterSTP) Group has fully funded Master’s and PhD graduate student positions available.
The WaterSTP research group focuses on water research from source to tap by advancing fundamental water science, innovating water treatment technology, and leading the development of water policy. The research group is a trans-disciplinary collaboration between university professors and scientists in close partnership with industry and government. Selected candidates will have the opportunity to work with the core team: Professors Monica B. Emelko (Canada Research Chair in Water Science, Technology & Policy), William B. Anderson, Philip J. Schmidt, and Mike Stone, as well as industry and government partners.
Projects in the following areas are currently available:
- drinking water treatment process optimization
- waterborne pathogens and algal treatment
- treatment of emerging contaminants
- biological treatment technologies
- AI development for the water industry
- wildfire and forest management impacts on drinking water treatability
- quantitative microbial risk assessment
- innovative technologies for rural and remote communities
- climate change adaptation policy development
Students in the WaterSTP Group and forWater Network have opportunities to collaborate with technology developers, water professionals, and resource managers, leading to hands-on experience, often working in water treatment plants and catchment areas (watersheds).
Selected candidates may have the opportunity to work with forWater, the NSERC Strategic Network for Forested Drinking Water Source Protection Technologies, which contributes to critical new knowledge and technologies needed to adapt to climate change and build resilient, adaptive communities.
Qualifications
Master’s applicants should have a background in engineering, biology, chemistry, geography, or an associated discipline, and a strong interest in water science, technology, and policy, especially as related to the provision of safe drinking water and public health protection.
PhD applicants should have a Master’s degree in engineering, biology, chemistry, geography, or an associated discipline, and a strong interest in water science, technology, and policy, especially as related to the provision of safe drinking water and public health protection. Preference will be given to applicants with relevant lab, field, and/or industry experience.
Students who have applied for, or hold, NSERC or other scholarships are encouraged to inquire about research opportunities within the program.
Funding details
Master’s and doctoral students are fully funded with competitive stipends. Teaching Assistant positions are frequently available and provide additional stipends. Stipends are not reduced by scholarships awarded to students unless maxima are specified by funding agency (e.g., NSERC). The University of Waterloo, Faculty of Engineering, Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, and UW Water Institute frequently provide additional awards for outstanding scholars. The WaterSTP Group further provides performance-based awards.
Application deadline
The PhD and Master’s positions will remain open until filled, so applicants are encouraged to apply as early as possible even if their desired start date is later. Applicants interested in applying please send applications/inquiries to waterstp@uwaterloo.ca include your CV, unofficial transcripts, and TOEFL or other equivalent scores if applicable. For deadlines to UW graduate studies please click on the appropriate link: Civil Engineering – MASc, PhD or Civil Engineering – MASc (Water), PhD (Water)
Note: All accepted applicants must then formally apply to the University of Waterloo by specific dates and formally meet requirements as set by University of Waterloo Graduate Studies before positions are confirmed.
The University of Waterloo and the Water Science, Technology & Policy group are committed to equity, diversity, and inclusion. Our team strives to create a safe, welcoming space for all students, staff, and faculty. We actively encourage applications from members of diverse backgrounds. We work with stakeholders to advance equity through hiring practices and programs.
