Research assistant – casual position
Start date: April 2022
Application deadline: April 15, 2022
Supervisor: Dr. Martin Connors
Faculty: Faculty of Science and Technology / Centre for Science
Location: Based in Athabasca, Alberta, with work mostly done remotely
Air Quality Analysis
Overview
This position will study air quality with an emphasis on particulate pollution such as smoke. Data from Athabasca University's Athabasca and Northern Alberta Particulate Air Quality (ANAPAQ), Environment Canada (mostly weather), and Alberta Environment and Parks, and relevant satellites will be intercom pared. The ability of inexpensive sensors comparable to those of ANAPAQ to provide smoke hazard warnings will be evaluated.
Specific activities include, but are not limited to:
- Obtaining data from sources mentioned above and others
- Graphically displaying data from multiple sites effectively
- Performing correlations of pollution parameters at various sites
- Investigating predictive methods using smoke and meteorological data
- Assistance in disseminating results in various forms including websites
This project will allow the candidate to participate in environmental studies with direct impact on community health.
The successful candidate will work with, and directly report to, Dr. Martin Connors at Athabasca University. Dr. Connors will provide supervision for computation and interpretation that will be required. Other members of ANAPAQ include Dr. Josie Auger, Dr. Janelle Baker, Dr. Scott Ketcheson, and Dr. Richard Nixon, from diverse Athabasca University faculties.
Qualifications
Successful candidates will be nearing completion of a degree in computer sciences which includes relevant techniques at a senior level, or recently have completed such a degree. Competence with computing is needed, preferably in a Linux environment using C and shell scripts, although other environments are recognized as valid as long as software is transferable and documented. Further development of relevant skills will be a training objective. The candidate should be willing to use their own computer and have internet access. An inexpensive computer system may be provided if needed.
The position is based in Athabasca, Alberta, but work will mostly be done remotely. Casual hours will be determined upon discussion with the supervisor, appropriate to doing the computations. Computer time for running the simulations is not included in the pay rate while the candidate is not actively working with the computer. A Linux system is for this reason preferred since tasks are run "in background".
How to apply
Qualified individuals are encouraged to submit their application by email to Dr. Martin Connors at martinc@athabascau.ca. Applications should include (as a single PDF file) a brief cover letter that summarizes your skills, interests and experience; a current resume or curriculum vitae; information on formal training in mathematical astronomy; and the contact information for 1-2 references.
Evaluation of applications will begin immediately and will continue until a suitable candidate is found. All applicants are thanked for their interest in this position; however, only candidates selected for an interview will be contacted.
Athabasca University and the researchers are committed to, and seek to, support equity in employment and research opportunities. We strongly encourage applications from Indigenous people, people of colour, people with disabilities, 2SLGBTQ+ people, women, and other historically marginalized groups. Applicants are welcome, but not required, to self-identify in their letter of application.
For more information on this Research Assistant Opportunity, please contact Martin Connors, PhD at the coordinates below, on or before Apr. 15, 2022. Applications will be accepted until Apr. 15, 2022 or until a suitable candidate is found.
Martin Connors
Centre for Science
Athabasca University
martinc@athabascau.ca