GlacioLab, Department of Environmental Sciences, Université du Québec à Trois-Rivières, Québec, Canada.
Climate change will alter the frequency and depth of freeze–thaw cycles in Canada, with major consequences for hydrology and ecosystems, but the magnitude of the expected changes remains poorly understood. Ouranos is a scientific consortium whose mission is to help Québec society adapt to climate change. To meet the climate-service needs of its partners—particularly governmental, academic, and community stakeholders—Ouranos has produced regional climate simulation ensembles using version 5 of the Canadian Regional Climate Model (CRCM5). However, CRCM5 and its land-surface scheme (CLASS) have not been thoroughly evaluated with respect to their ability to reproduce freeze–thaw events and their interactions with climate. In this project, the performance of the CRCM5/CLASS modeling system, as well as two recent versions of the CLASSIC land-surface model, will be assessed for their ability to simulate freeze–thaw cycles under present and future climates across different climate scenarios. This project will enable Ouranos to refine its understanding of climate–land surface interactions and to better inform decision-makers and society about the impacts of freeze–thaw cycles, particularly in northern regions.
Supervision and Environment
The project is hosted at Université du Québec à Trois-Rivières (UQTR) under the supervision of Prof. Christophe Kinnard and prof. Alexandre Roy (UQTR) and Martin Leduc (Ouranos)
Required Qualifications
- PhD in hydrology, climate science, cryosphere science, or a related field
- Strong programming skills (Fortran, Python, C++)
- Good understanding of cold region land surface processes
- Demonstrated autonomy and collaborative skills
Terms
- Duration: 2 years
- Salary: $60,000 CAD/year
- Complimentary scholarships are available for Canadian citizens or permanent residents
- Conference Travel support provided
Application
Please send a single PDF including a cover letter, CV, and contact information for two referees
Email: christophe.kinnard@uqtr.ca
Deadline: 30 May 2026 (open until filled)