Part-time graduate student research position with the Sustainability Water Working Group

With bold ambition to become one of the most sustainable institutions in Canada, York University is accelerating its timeline and aiming to achieve net-zero emissions by 2040 – a decade sooner than its previous commitment. Our previous commitment to reduce emissions by 45 per cent by 2030 is well underway and supported by a strong plan that is expected to produce a total emission reduction of ~31,000 metric tons by 2027. 

To meet this goal York University has been engaging with its research community through academics led projects in areas such as, waste, energy, water, and circular economy. The Sustainability Water Working Group, which is one of these groups, is looking to hire a graduate student to explore the development of sponge campuses at YorkU. 

The aim of this project is to align with strategies to protect watersheds and optimize stormwater repurposing or reuse on-site (Keele campus) and minimize stormwater runoff.

• 1. Catalogue existing stormwater management infrastructure on campus and evaluate it against current design standards and best practices.
• 2. Design a water quantity and quality monitoring plan for up to three stormwater management features on campus.

Depending on how quickly the project progresses, there may be an opportunity to pilot the monitoring program for one of these features.

Deliverables: Produce a report that catalogues existing stormwater management infrastructure on campus and evaluates it against current design standards and best practices. The report will also include a monitoring plan for up to three stormwater features.

Details:

• Background: Chemistry, environmental studies, and/or civil engineering
• Requirement: Currently enrolled in a Master or PhD program at YorkU on the Keele campus
• Start of the position: November 10, 2025
• Rate of pay: $25/h
• Anticipated number of hours: 200
• Duration: TBD
• Application deadline: October 27, 2025

Apply:

To apply, please send your CV and a brief cover letter describing your interest in and suitability for the project by email to Drs. Gora (sgora@yorku.ca) and Sylvie Morin (smorin@yorku.ca) with the subject line “Part-time graduate student research position in stormwater management at York University”. 

The Water Sustainability Working Group is committed to Employment Equity and encourages applications from all qualified candidates. The Water Sustainability Working Group welcomes applications from all qualified individuals, including individuals within the employment equity categories of women, persons with disabilities, members of visible minorities and aboriginal persons, individuals of diverse gender and sexual orientation and all groups protected by the Human Rights Code. The Water Sustainability Working Group is committed to employment equity and diversity and a positive and supportive environment.The Water Sustainability Working Group offers accommodation for applicants with disabilities in its recruitment processes. If you are contacted by the Water Sustainability Working Group regarding a job opportunity or testing, please advise if you require accommodation. Please note, only those selected for an interview will be contacted

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