Canada Impact + Research Chair in in Contaminant Behaviour in Bedrock Groundwater Systems

Location

Guelph, ON, CA, N1G 2W1

Canada Impact+ Research Chair in Contaminant Behaviour in Bedrock Groundwater Systems

Morwick G360 Groundwater Research Institute, Department of Civil, Environmental and Water Resources Engineering, College of Engineering, University of Guelph

The University of Guelph invites applications for nomination to the prestigious Canada Impact+ Research Chair in Contaminant Behaviour in Bedrock Groundwater Systems, to be held at the Morwick G360 Groundwater Research Institute within the Department of Civil, Environmental and Water Resources Engineering in the College of Engineering. The Impact+ Research Chair will build on and enhance Morwick G360’s mandate to deliver impact-driven field-based groundwater research, integrating science, engineering, policy, and practice to support evidence-based decision-making and long-term water security, and will have access to a state‑of‑the‑science field‑based research facility and classroom.

Candidates with an interest in contaminant behaviour in groundwater and a demonstrated ability to employ a broad range of hydrogeological and hydrogeophysical methods in research and teaching are preferred. These include quantitative field and laboratory measurements, subsurface investigations, and modern theoretical, computational, and data analysis approaches. Demonstrated experience in managing field‑derived research datasets through collaborative projects with private‑ and public‑sector partners is considered an asset.

This appointment offers a unique opportunity for a groundwater scientist or engineer to establish and lead an ambitious, high‑impact research program addressing critical groundwater challenges across Canada and globally, including the impacts of climate change on groundwater systems, the energy transition and development of subsurface energy resources, and the cumulative spatial and temporal effects of industrial activities.

The Canada Impact+ Research Chairs (Impact+) program is a one‑time initiative designed to support institutions in attracting world‑leading researchers whose work addresses critical national and global challenges. The program emphasizes both research excellence and tangible impact. Impact+ Chairs will receive long‑term funding and institutional support to advance ambitious and transformative projects in Canada’s strategic priority areas, build and maintain exceptional research teams, and collaborate with partners across sectors and borders.

Impact+ Chair holders are expected to drive the translation of discoveries into applications, commercialization, and social and economic benefits for Canada and the world, while also developing the next generation of highly qualified personnel.

Only candidates who are internationally based (both working and residing outside of Canada) at the time of the intake’s Final date to receive applications are eligible to apply. Nominees must be full professors or associate professors or, if recruited from outside the academic sector, must possess the necessary qualifications to be appointed at these levels. A Ph.D. in a discipline relevant to hydrogeology research and teaching is required by the University of Guelph.

• Research/academic merit and leadership skills of the nominee
• Quality of the institutional support
• Quality of the research program
• Potential contribution to the excellence of the Canadian and international research ecosystem
• Potential for knowledge translation, mobilization, and application of research results

The successful candidate will be appointed as a Canada Impact+ Chair and build on a globally‑recognized research program focused on the study of groundwater systems, with an emphasis on translating science into real‑world impact through engagement with governments, regulators, Indigenous communities, industry, and the public. The research program is expected to address several aspects of groundwater as they relate to relevant societal challenges.

Research areas include but are not limited to:

• Transport and fate of…