PhD project on drinking water quality in Nunavik

Populations in small northern communities often have limited access to drinking water. The water in these systems is particularly vulnerable to microbiological and chemical contamination, and many communities are subject to boil water advisories. In many northern communities, water is distributed by tanker trucks and stored in domestic tanks. This method presents a high risk of contamination during the water distribution and storage phases. This project aims to study in detail the quality of water stored in home tanks and its variability, to assess the human health risk for the population.

This project aims to study in detail the quality of water from source to consumer, taking into account the different water sources around the villages, the treated and distributed water, as well as the water consumed by the population and its variability, in order to assess the health risk for the population. The project includes field activities, as well as microbiological and chemical laboratory analyses.

The successful candidate will ideally have experience in drinking water quality analysis and knowledge of the health risks associated with water contamination. A good knowledge of spoken and written English is required. The successful candidate must also be comfortable and interested in traveling to remote northern villages in Nunavik (accessible only by plane). If traveling to Nunavik, the selected candidate must have a valid driver's license.

Education (among the following field)

• Civil engineering
• Environmental engineering
• Biology
• Microbiology
• Molecular biology
• Public health

Research environment

Research Director: Prof. Stéphanie Guilherme

Department of Civil and Water Engineering, Université Laval, Québec, QC.

The research will be carried out in partnership with Prof. Jérôme Comte from INRS.

Funding available

A scholarship will be available worth CAD $25,000/year for a total of 3 years. Additional scholarships may be available, to be discussed with the supervisor.

L'Université Laval, située dans la ville de Québec au Canada, est reconnue à l'international pour l'excellence de sa formation et de sa recherche. L'Université Laval est classée parmi les 20 meilleures universités francophones au monde selon les principaux palmarès des universités.

Student profil 

- Engineering
- Microbiology
- Chemistry
- Public health

Conditions

- Master's degree in environnement, water engineering, environment or related field
- Good academic record
- Strong interest in environmental and public health training
- Resourceful
- Be rigorous
- Enjoy teamwork
- Highly motivated