The CLAIR Lab at the University of Victoria is seeking applicants for graduate and postdoctoral fellowships in air quality and climate modelling. Air pollution and climate change, more than ever before, affect our lifestyle, transportation, and breathability in cities all around the globe. The Clean Air (CLAIR) Lab at the University of Victoria invites motivated M.Sc. and Ph.D. candidates as well as postdoctoral fellows to pursue studies in air quality and climate modelling from 2027 onwards, supervised by Dr Laura Minet in the Department of Civil Engineering at the University of Victoria.
Located on the west coast of Canada, the CLAIR Lab conducts studies on the topic of urban air quality and climate resiliency, with special attention to minimising the vulnerability of communities to air pollution. This may be a great chance for anyone interested in modelling and analysing environmental and social consequences of air pollution.
About the CLAIR Lab
The Clean Air Research Group (CAIRG) examines the interaction between air pollution and climate change within urban settings as well as the impacts that these have on human health and inequity. The lab relies on field observations, dispersion modelling, chemical transport modelling, and data-driven methods for studying air quality problems in an applied context.
Present and past research topics have covered subjects such as vehicle emissions, LNG flaring, wildfire smoke, and urban heat islands. Most of these projects involve the use of statistical and machine learning techniques in conjunction with more conventional modelling methods.
Graduate and Postdoctoral Position Overview
The CLAIR Lab is looking for:
- M.Sc. (MASc) students in civil or environmental engineering or related fields.
- PhD students keen to engage in cutting-edge research in air quality and climate modelling.
- Postdoctoral researchers who want to advance their skills in environmental modelling and conduct their own research independently.
These positions are located within the Department of Civil Engineering, University of Victoria, BC, Canada. Selected applicants will become part of an active research team and work on projects that start in 2027; the application review process starts on September 15, 2026.
Graduate and Postdoctoral research areas
The following are some potential project ideas that could be explored by students or post-docs from the CLAIR group:
- Chemical transport modelling (e.g., CMAQ) for air quality, which consists of developing simulation models to understand the formation and transport processes of pollution under different scenarios.
- Meteorological and climatological modelling for air quality-related studies, where one could use WRF and/or other similar software to understand the effects of weather/climate change on pollution dispersion.
- Environmental statistical and machine learning modelling, which would consist of developing data-driven models for air quality/exposure predictions in space and time.
These are research areas that are typically connected to traffic emissions, wildfires, or even sustainable development of urban infrastructures. These types of projects will allow interested students (with quantitative skills) independent of their area of study (engineering, atmospheric sciences, and others).
Who should apply for the graduate and postdoctoral positions?
Ideal for candidates with these educational backgrounds:
- Completed or about to be completed Bachelor’s degree (MASc candidates), Master’s degree (PhD candidates), or PhD (postdoctoral candidates) in the fields of civil engineering, environmental engineering, atmospheric science, or a related field.
- Experience or interest in one or more of the core research areas, including but not limited to air quality modeling, climate modeling, or environmental data management.
In addition to the above requirements, the lab is interested in candidates who possess:
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills, including experience in technical/scientific writing.
- Ability to function both independently and in a collaborative team environment.
- Willingness to learn, participate in discussions, and take an active role in the lab’s research community.
Application process and required documents
For one to qualify for these positions, those who wish to apply should adhere to the guidelines for how to apply as given by the CLAIR Lab and the University of Victoria.
- Submit your application using the online application form found on the announcement through the provided link/form. This form collects necessary details and helps the team find out if there is a fit for the various projects and levels (MSc, PhD, and postdoc).
- Email Dr. Laura Minet with the subject heading “CLAIR Lab Opportunities” @ [email protected].
Please attach the following documents to your email application:
- A personalized cover letter describing why you have interest in Dr. Minet’s research, what previous experience you can bring to CLAIR Lab’s work, and what kind of research you would like to do within the lab. Please note that according to the announcement, emails and generic cover letters generated using generative AI will be ignored.
- Your current CV.
- Transcripts from university.
- Writing sample that should be connected to your field of study and be at least a publishable piece.
- Up to five references with their contact information and your relation to each of the referees.
The review process will start on September 15, 2026; therefore, those who plan to apply should try to send their applications before this date.
Why this opportunity stands out
Becoming part of the CLAIR Lab will mean being involved in the process of researching and designing policies that help maintain public health and support environmental justice. As such, the focus on vulnerable populations and applied research at CLAIR will ensure that my technical skills in modelling and analysis are highly relevant.
In the case of graduate students and postdocs, the training environment provides an opportunity for exposure to an array of methodologies in modelling, measurement, and data science as well as interdisciplinary projects in civil engineering, atmospheric science, and public health. Graduates who have gone through such training often end up in academic and government organisations, as well as in environmental consulting firms.
If the idea of blending mathematical modelling with real-life implications appeals to you, you might want to look into this opening from the CLAIR Lab at the University of Victoria. You will be able to find out what kind of work they do through their resources and then make an appropriate application that reflects how your skills fit with them.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Who is eligible to apply for these positions?
Qualifying applicants must be:
- University graduates (bachelor’s or near graduation) applying for MASc (MSc) programmes in Civil or Environmental Engineering or any relevant field.
- University graduates (Master’s) applying for PhD programmes in Civil or Environmental Engineering, Atmospheric Sciences, or any other relevant discipline.
- Graduates (PhD) applying for postdoctoral positions in air quality, climate modelling, or any other related environmental disciplines.
2. Do I need prior experience in air quality or climate modelling?
While hands-on experience in air quality modelling or climate change modelling will be useful, this is not always essential. Numerical modelling, data analysis skills, and motivation to join this field of study are key. It must be clear from your cover letter and resume how you have prepared yourself through prior work or studies for this area of environmental science.
3. What technical skills are particularly valuable for applicants?
Some technical skills that could be helpful are:
- Knowledge of chemical transport models (such as CMAQ) or meteorological models (such as WRF).
- Programming in any language such as Python, R, MATLAB, or similar.
- Knowledge of statistics/data analysis/machine learning for environmental applications.
- Handling of big data/geospatial data/time series data.
4. Can applicants from disciplines outside civil or environmental engineering apply?
If you belong to a related field such as atmospheric sciences, physics, environmental science, or even applied mathematics, and you have a keen interest in modelling air quality and climate, then certainly you can apply. In the application process, explain how your background makes you eligible for the research themes of CLAIR Lab.
5. Are international students eligible to apply?
International students may apply, subject to meeting the necessary academic and language standards for the University of Victoria graduate programme. Students who are selected will need to deal with issues related to visas and immigration.
6. What is the expected start date for successful candidates?
CLAIR Lab research projects in relation to this call will begin in 2027. Start dates may differ depending on whether you are applying for an MASc, a PhD, or a postdoctoral research programme. You may specify your desired start date in the application or cover letter.
7. How important is the cover letter, and can I use AI tools to draft it?
The cover letter plays a very important role in the application process, as you can explain your motivations and research interests. Do not send any generic email or a generic cover letter prepared by AI. However, you can use an AI tool for polishing your language skills; the content should clearly come from you.
8. What kind of writing sample should I submit?
A good example of the required writing sample can include the following:
- Recent scientific paper or manuscript (published or unpublished).
- Honours thesis, master’s thesis chapter, or project report.
- Technical report that proves your communication skills for scientific or engineering research.
Make sure that you select the document that shows your analytical abilities, writing skills, and knowledge about research in your field.
9. Are unofficial transcripts acceptable for the application?
Yes, unofficial transcripts can be considered when applying for a university. You will be required to submit official transcripts should your application be successful or when you have been shortlisted for the programme.
10. What should I include when listing my references for the graduate and postdoctoral programmes?
When preparing a list of referees, you need to include:
- The full names and positions of your referees.
- Their institutional affiliation and email address.
- Your relationship with them (for example, your thesis advisor, professor from a certain course, etc.).
It would be wise to notify your referees about your application ahead of time.
11. Can I contact the PI before submitting my application for the graduate and postdoctoral programmes?
If you still have any queries that are not covered either during the call or in this FAQ, you can address your questions to Dr Laura Minet. But prior to doing that, it is recommended to study the advertisement and all the provided information to prevent asking the questions that have been answered already.
12. What happens after I submit my application for the graduate and postdoctoral programmes?
Following submission of the form, your documents are reviewed by CLAIR Lab from the designated date of review. The candidates who have been shortlisted may be called for an interview or may be requested to provide more information. Given the large number of applicants, it might take some time before you receive any feedback.
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