Tecnológico de Monterrey (https://tec.mx/en) is a private university in Mexico founded in 1943. It is ranked among the top 170 universities in the world in the QS World University Rankings® 2023. Tec offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs within six subject areas (built environment, engineering, creative studies, business, social sciences, and health). It is widely recognized as one of the most prestigious universities in Latin America (top 4 according to QS Latin America University Ranking©).

Description

Tools based on environmental tracers have been developed since the 1970s to identify sources of contamination and monitor their fate and natural attenuation processes for better management of water resources. Dual-isotope approach of 15N combined with 18O or 34S combined with 18O, enhanced the capability to identify sources and track transformation processes of nitrogen and sulfate in aquatic systems, respectively. Other studies developed a multi-isotopic assessment and probability mixing models to estimate the provenance and apportionment of contaminants in groundwater. The Water Science and Technology Research Group of the Water Center for Latin America and the Caribbean at Tecnológico de Monterrey has developed several of approaches in recent years.

We offer a postdoc researcher and several PhD positions in Forensic Analysis of Water Contaminants.

Postdoc Researcher Position

For the postdoc researcher position, the information can be found at https://jobs.tec.mx//job-invite/156132/. We are looking for candidates who are available to start as soon as possible. For further information, please contact Dr. Jürgen Mahlknecht (jurgen@tec.mx), Chair of Water Science and Technology at Tecnologico de Monterrey, and Dr. Manish Kumar (manish.kumar@ddn.upes.ac.in, manish@tec.mx), Professor at University of Petroleum and Energy Studies, India, and Distinguished Professor at Tecnologico de Monterrey.

PhD Position

The successful applicants to this position will broadly focus on continue the efforts to identify and quantify contaminant sources and transformation such as nitrate and sulfate in groundwater with multiple potential sources using a multi-tracer approaches combined with statistical models. This position will specifically focus on one or more of the following areas: (1) to design/co-design innovative approaches to identify source apportionments; (2) to assess contamination concentrations in groundwater and surface waters in a specific setting; (3) to identify the sources of contaminants in water resources; and (4) to quantify the apportionment of different potential pollution sources using statistical/mathematical models.

Your Qualifications (PhD Position)

• University degree (MSc.) in Engineering (Civil or Environmental preferred) or Geosciences.
• Strong attention to detail and writing, editing and proofreading skills in English to quickly and accurately produce complex technical and non-technical material for audiences of varying backgrounds.
• Professional demeanor with interpersonal and communication skills to work effectively and diplomatically with university staff and external partners, and people from diverse ethnic, economic and cultural backgrounds.
• Experience applying critical thinking and good scientific/engineering judgment to ascertain relevant from irrelevant data and separate vital factors from less important ones
• Ability to learn new technologies and develop new skills to meet research challenges and promote professional growth in a complex, fast-paced research and development environment.
• Work experience performing design and/or technical calculations.
• Experience in or technical knowledge of hydrogeology, hydrogeochemistry, environmental isotopes and probabilistic models.
• Experience in programming environments (e.g. RStudio) is a plus.

What We Offer (PhD Position)

• Strong mentorship in professional growth in both technical and non-technical areas.
• Diversity of learning opportunities and experiences fostered by an interdisciplinary team of international investigators.
• Fundamental research with direct application potentially leading to near-term societal impacts.
• Flexible work hours and conditions.
• The position is located at Tecnológico de Monterrey on the Monterrey Mexico campus, with the opportunity for extended visit(s) to an internationally recognized university/research center.

Tuition/Scholarship (PhD Position)

Students of the PhD program are full-time students. Once the candidate meets the requirements and admission is granted, she/he is assigned a full-tuition scholarship provided by Tecnológico de Monterrey for all the academic credits of the program, renewable every semester provided that the student meets the requirements defined by the Department of Scholarships and Financial Aid. All PhD students have the possibility of obtaining financial support for covering living costs provided by CONACYT (National Science and Technology Commission); the financial support includes medical services.

Organizational Unit (PhD Position)

The PhD program in Science and Engineering is multidisciplinary in scope, covering four areas of knowledge (biotechnology, mechatronics, industrial engineering, and environmental systems). More information can be obtained in: https://maestriasydiplomados.tec.mx/posgrados/doctorado-en-ciencias-de-ingenieria?locale=en

Starting Date (PhD Position): August 2023
Duration (PhD Position): 4 years
Application Deadline (PhD Position): March 1, 2023

Contact Person / How to Apply

For application details or further information, please contact co-advisors Dr. Jürgen Mahlknecht (jurgen@tec.mx), Chair in Water Science and Technology, Tecnologico de Monterrey, and Dr. Manish Kumar (manish.kumar@ddn.upes.ac.in, manish@tec.mx), Professor at University of Petroleum and Energy Studies, India, and Distinguished Professor at Tecnologico de Monterrey.