PhD or MSc Funded Positions in Biology @ Canada
Interested in a career in animal ecology or conservation biology? We are always seeking motivated students to join the lab.
If you have good academic standing, a solid understanding of ecological principles, superior field and quantitative skills, and an insatiable curiosity about natural systems, please apply!
PhD or MSc positions on the spatio-temporal dynamics and conservation of western chorus frogs; Ontario, Canada:
In collaboration with Blazing Star Environmental, the Lougheed Lab (Queens University) and the Wilson Lab (Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources), we are assessing determinants of distribution and occupancy of western chorus frog across its Canadian range, where the species is listed as Threatened and thereby needs research into its population status, distribution and trends. The comprehensive program will involve conducting field surveys and analyzing extensive citizen science call survey data (>500 sites) to assess:
1) geographical gaps in surveys and current sampling design needs; 2) variability in species occupancy through space and time; 3) factors determining species detection, occupancy, and abundance; and 4) priority areas for conservation planning and action. The project will also include: 5) optimizing application of eDNA and acoustic recording units in population surveys.
The project team is flexible in terms of student projects within the larger program and therefore will consider both PhD and MSc applicants based on their interests and expertise. Ultimately, we seek to assemble the best team possible to address western chorus frog survey detection needs, habitat requirements, range determinants, and population status. The funding package includes competitive stipends as well as coverage of all professional expenses.
Qualifications:Â Successful PhD candidates must have an MSc, whereas MSc candidates will have a BSc, in Biology, Ecology, or a related field. Candidates should have experience in one or more of the following areas: GIS, statistics using R software, eDNA analysis and application, occupancy and habitat modeling, as well as a strong work ethic and interest in working collaboratively in a large and diverse research group. Additional desirable skills include amphibian field skills and working independently.
To apply, please send a cover letter highlighting relevant prior experience and interests corresponding to the above program priorities, curriculum vitae, unofficial academic transcript, and contact information for 3 references to: Dennis Murray ([email protected]) and Tom Hossie ([email protected]). The successful candidate(s) will be enrolled at Trent University by September 2023 or preferably sooner. See www.dennismurray.ca and www.thomashossie.ca, www.blazingstar.ca and https://biology.queensu.ca/people/department/professors/lougheed/ for additional information.
Contact Person Dennis Murray/Tom Hossie Contact eMail [email protected]
Salary TBD (varies for MSc/PhD applicants)
As part of a large team that conducts diverse research, graduate students in the Integrative Wildlife Conservation Lab gain valuable experience conducting and publishing independent research, while acquiring highly sought after expertise and skills in areas such as:
- telemetry and camera trapping
- occupancy modelling, estimating population density, population viability analysis
- species distribution modelling,  landscape ecology and genetics
- movement and behavioural ecology
- remote sensing and GIS
- environmental DNA (eDNA) and metabarcoding
- genotyping, genomics and bioinformatics
- animal handling and husbandry
- experimental design (laboratory and field studies)
- project management
- data management and analysis
- science communication
How To Apply:
To apply or for more information, contact Dennis Murray ([email protected]). Applications should comprise a cover letter, CV, contact information for 3 references, and an unofficial transcript, which should be sent to Dennis Murray in advance of any formal application to Trent University’s graduate programs. Successful candidates will be enrolled at Trent University in either the M.Sc. Bioenvironmental Monitoring and Assessment Program or Ph.D. Environmental & Life Sciences Graduate Program.
Postdocs are also welcome to apply.
Available projects
Our lab supports both MSc and PhD students, with MSc’s usually conducting research in support of larger projects involving one or more PhD’s. This approach helps build teams that work collaboratively and synergistically on projects that otherwise may be too large and complex to tackle independently. This approach provides flexibility when defining MSc and PhD projects so that research areas can be tailored to fit student interests and expertise within the scope of the larger project. Ultimately, MSc and PhD students benefit by having better-supported projects, gaining broader experience, and being involved in multiple collaborations, making them more competitive for employment upon graduation. MSc and PhD research products are always published in scientific journals.
The following list includes projects for which we are actively recruiting, but it is not all-inclusive and we subscribe to the philosophy of fitting projects to students. Prospective students should contact us directly to determine whether they could fit either listed projects or other opportunities that are available in our lab.
Last Date to Apply 01/05/2023
PhD or MSc Funded, PhD or MSc Funded postions
