Job openings in Ecology and Evolution

Please send job openings you would like to be posted on this page to Véronique Connolly at veronique.connolly@gmail.com.

Job listings
Graduate positions
Post-doctoral positions
Tenure-track positions
Others

Job listings:


Graduate positions:

  • Graduate students in conservation / management of commercially harvested fish: I am looking for highly motivated and enthusiastic graduate students at the M.Sc. or Ph.D. level to do research on lake whitefish. Research will require field work in Saskatchewan and other areas, as well as extensive laboratory activities. Students will have the opportunity to contribute to the design and implementation of thesis research projects. Candidates should have an undergraduate degree in biology or related science and excellent academic qualifications.  Experience operating power boats and fisheries sampling gear, as well as some laboratory training in molecular biology would be an asset. Interested students should submit a cover letter, CV, and unofficial transcripts to Dr. Christopher Somers, Canada Research Chair in Genes and the Environment, Biology Department, University of Regina (chris.somers@uregina.ca). (posted on 01/25/12)

  • Seeking PhD Student in Caribou Dispersal Biology. We are seeking a PhD student to examine the dispersal biology of caribou populations through a partnership with the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources (OMNR), Trent University and University of Manitoba.  This position will focus on genetic and telemetry based metrics of dispersal of caribou and the development of novel comparative analyses in understanding caribou distribution and structure.  This project will utilize a multi-year dataset and will work within a large team environment of students, researchers and stakeholders.  The candidate requires strong quantitative skills and experience in laboratory genetic protocols is not a requirement although spatial and genetic analytical experience will be viewed as an asset.  Applicants should submit a CV, a statement of research interests, and the names and contact information for three references. Please submit applications to: Dr. Paul J. Wilson, Canada Research Chair in DNA Profiling, Forensics & Functional Genomics, Biology Department, Natural Resource DNA Profiling & Forensic Centre, Trent University, 1600 West Bank Drive, Peterborough, ON, K9J7B8, Phone 705.748.1011 ext. 7259; Fax 705.748.1003, pawilson@trentu.ca (posted on 01/25/12)

  • M.Sc. Positions Available. We are looking for motivated graduate students who work well in a team. Our research is focused on soil bacteria in legume fields. Work in our group entails a huge array of molecular techniques including DNA fingerprints, transcriptome analysis, gene cloning, sequences analysis, chromosomal walking, RT-PCR, and real-time PCR analysis. We are located in Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada, and are members of Faculty of Science at the Saint Mary’s University. The positions will be available for September 2012 startup. Individuals interested in learning more about this graduate opportunity can contact: Dr. Zhongmin Dong, Department of Biology, St. Mary’s University, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada B3H 3C3, (902) 420-5720, Zhongmin.dong@smu.ca (posted on 01/25/12)

  • The Rolian lab at the University of Calgary is looking to recruit graduate students (MSc and PhD) who are broadly interested in vertebrate evolutionary developmental biology and/or bone biology. Current research in the lab focuses on evolutionary, developmental and functional aspects of the limb skeleton in vertebrates. The core of our research program is an artificial selection experiment targeting increases in limb bone length in a rodent model. This unique resource is being developed to study evolutionary quantitative genetics (using 3D geometric morphometrics), developmental genetics (including transcriptomics) and functional morphology (including bone biomechanics) of the limb skeleton in mammals. Individuals with a background and interest in vertebrate evolutionary biology or developmental biology are particularly encouraged to apply. The University of Calgary offers a great diversity of faculty focusing on evolutionary, developmental and skeletal biology, housed across multiple faculties and departments. Graduate students at the U of C are registered through the Faculty of Graduate Studies (FGS), and can take full advantage of interdisciplinary training and research opportunities in all departments in the FGS (e.g. Biological Sciences, Anatomy and Cell Biology, Anthropology). Funding is available through the lab, as well as through the FGS, although it is expected that students will also apply for competitive external grants to support their studies and research (e.g. NSERC). Calgary is a world-class city near the Canadian Rockies, with excellent amenities and year-round opportunities for recreation and culture. More information on the Rolian lab can be obtained at: http://homepages.ucalgary.ca/~cprolian. Information on admission requirements to the U of C FGS can be obtained at: http://www.grad.ucalgary.ca/prospective/howtoapply. Interested candidates should email Dr. Rolian (cprolian@ucalgary.ca) with a brief description of their research interests and current studies/work. Please note that the deadline for Fall 2012 admissions varies by program, with the earliest application due February 1st 2012. (posted on 01/18/12)

  • PhD position: forestry, bioenergy, remote sensing. A fully-funded Ph.D. position is available in Faculty of Forestry at the University of Toronto. The Ph.D. candidate will assess the potential for using unmerchantable wood as feedstock for the production of bioenergy. In particular, the candidate will: 1) determine how much logging residue can be recovered from partially harvested stands; 2) develop new inventory methods for estimating how much of this unmerchantable wood is available in central Ontario. To achieve both of these objectives, the candidate will use ground-based harvest trials to inform the development of aerial inventory methods, including light detection and ranging (LiDAR). The candidate may also participate in a larger effort to examine how the production of wood, fibre and fuel can be balanced with the continued provision of other ecosystem services, including the maintenance of biodiversity and storage of carbon. Qualifications: 1) sincere interest in forest ecology, forestry, or remote sensing, 2) strong quantitative skills, 3) remote sensing and GIS skills, or the ability to learn them quickly, and 4) excellent oral and written communication skills in English. Applicants should send a letter of enquiry and curriculum vitae to John Caspersen (john.caspersen@utoronto.ca). Applications will be reviewed beginning January 15th, but the positions will remain open until a suitable candidate is selected. (posted on 12/02/11)

  • M.Sc. Positions in Terrestrial Ecology. Applications are invited for two full-time M.Sc. research positions starting May or September 2012. I am seeking highly motivated and enthusiastic students at the MSc level to work on a variety of projects on biodiversity and ecosystem function in Canadian forest soil systems. Research topics include: (1) Understanding the interaction of multiple stressors on soil biodiversity; (2) Ecosystem significance of cyanobacteria nitrogen fixation; (3) Understanding the interaction of multiple stressors on ecosystem function; (4) Using a trait-based approach to link biodiversity and ecosystem function; (5) Linking organism movement and ecosystem function under environmental change. The Department of Biology at Western has a vibrant graduate program with a strong Ecology and Evolution group. The department offers generous guaranteed stipends and guaranteed TAships which are enhanced by London's reasonable cost of living. Please refer to the Western Biology Prospective Graduate Student webpage for more information (http://www.uwo.ca/biology/graduate/graduateprospective.htm). Applicant should have a B.Sc. in ecology, entomology or relevant discipline. The successful applicant has to fulfil the minimum requirements of the graduate program of the University of Western Ontario. While this is a funded position, the successful applicant will be encouraged to apply for external funding from provincial and federal funding agencies. Interested applicants should submit a letter of interest, and a current CV via e-mail to Dr. Zoë Lindo at zlindo@uwo.ca (http://www.uwo.ca/biology/Faculty/lindo/index.htm). (posted on 11/30/11)

  • PhD or MSc Position in Forest Landscape Genetics. The James lab in spatial ecology at the Université de Montréal is now accepting applications for graduate students at both the Masters and PhD level who are interested in the spatial and temporal dynamics of boreal forest ecosystems. In general, research in the lab focusses on the landscape-scale interactions among forest patterns and forest disturbance processes such as fire, insect outbreaks, and forest management. Specifically, I am looking for graduate students to study the landscape genetics of the spruce budworm (SBW), an important insect pest in eastern Canada. This work will examine SBW moth dispersal dynamics using genetic markers to better predict budworm outbreak risk. The research will involve field collection of insect samples and spatial analysis of genetic variation as a function of forest structure. There will also be flexibility in designing a specific research programme that fits with the applicant’s interests. Experience in field work, GIS analysis, molecular techniques, statistics, and forest ecology are all beneficial. Expected start date is January or May 2012. Applicants must meet the entrance requirements for the Université de Montréal, Département des sciences biologiques, which can be viewed at: http://www.bio.umontreal.ca/programmes-etudes/cycles_2_3/admission.html. More information on the lab can found at: https://sites.google.com/site/patrickmajames. If you are interested in joining the lab, please send your CV, a copy of unofficial transcripts, and a brief statement of research interests to Dr. Patrick James: patrick.ma.james@umontreal.ca. (posted on 11/30/11)

  • MSc positions in vertebrate conservation.  I anticipate having openings for MSc students interested in science-based conservation of vertebrate animals.  Projects may include marmots, pikas, turtles, and possibly other species.  In all cases the projecs/theses will involve understanding how anthropogenic changes to the landscape are affecting the long-term persistence of the animals.   Potential students should contact Karl Larsen at Thompson Rivers University in British Columbia (klarsen@tru.ca) as soon as possible, as field work for these projects likely will commence in May of 2012. (posted on 11/25/11)

  • Ph.D. or M.Sc. student to investigate spawning areas for lake sturgeon in the Namakan Reservoir. A project to be led by Brian McLaren of Lakehead University and Tim Haxton of Aquatic Science Unit (Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources, OMNR) is funded by the OMNR Species at Risk (SAR) Stewardship Fund. Funding including a graduate assistantship at Lakehead University is equivalent to $25,000 per year. A student may begin in January 2012 or soon thereafter to lead one or more aspects of this project. Field work is to begin in May 2012. This three-year project seeks to: (1) analyze acoustic telemetry data set (60 lake sturgeon for 6 years) to continue investigations of site fidelity, movement patterns, space use, and habitat selection in the Namakan Reservoir and River near Fort Frances, Ontario; (2) improve non-invasive techniques for determining sex and reproductive status of adult lake sturgeon; and (3) identify and characterize spawning habitats for lake sturgeon in the Namakan River and other spawning tributaries. A PhD student may also be interested in hydrological modelling opportunities related to this project and the Forest Watershed and Riparian Disturbance (FORWARD) project at Lakehead University, which aims to determine the effects of forest disturbances to the aquatic environment. Contact Brian McLaren at bmclaren@lakeheadu.ca. (posted on 11/09/11)

  • Graduate and Postdoctoral Positions, Impacts of Nanosilver on a Lake Ecosystem. We are seeking several highly motivated graduate students and/or postdoctoral fellows to participate in a whole-lake experiment involving the addition of nanosilver and the assessment of its fate and effects on lake food webs at the Experimental Lakes Area in northern Ontario (http://www.experimentallakesarea.ca/).  The graduate positions will be based at Trent University in Peterborough, ON as part of the Environmental and Life Sciences Graduate Program (http://www.trentu.ca/els/) or at the Department of Biology at the University of Manitoba in Winnipeg, MB (http://www.umanitoba.ca/Biology/). This is a highly interdisciplinary project and interested candidates should have a background in one or several of the fields of ecology, limnology, environmental science, toxicology, analytical chemistry or environmental chemistry. Candidates should be able to work as part of a large team, and willing to conduct research in both the field and in the laboratory. The positions would ideally begin between January and May, 2012. The graduate positions are intended to be funded at the Ph.D. level but we will consider exceptional M.Sc. candidates. Click here for more information. (posted on 11/09/11)

  • Graduate positions (PhD or MSc) are available to study the evolutionary genomics and behavioural genetics of the honey bee at York University’s Department of Biology, starting Fall 2012.  My laboratory studies several aspects of the honey bee’s sociogenomics and evolutionary genetics; we are interested in finding out how genes affect worker traits, how such traits affect colony fitness, and how genes underlying worker traits evolve.  We employ functional genomics, molecular biology, behavioural ecology, and population genetics to understand the HOWs and WHYs of the evolution of social behaviour.  We have a well-equipped lab and a nearby research apiary for dissecting the genetic basis of worker traits.  Our research is funded by NSERC and an Early Researcher Award.  Please visit our lab website (www.yorku.ca/zayedlab) for more information on our research program. If you are interested in joining the laboratory, please send (zayed@yorku.ca) a copy of your CV along with a statement of your research interests.  Interested candidates must meet the Department of Biology’s admission requirements (GPA: B+, http://www.yorku.ca/gradbiol/howtoapply.html). Dr. Amro Zayed, Assistant Professor, Department of Biology, York University. (posted on 10/26/11)

  • Ph.D. or M.Sc. opportunity in Behavioural Ecology at the University of Manitoba.  My lab (http://home.cc.umanitoba.ca/~watermaj/research.html)  is looking for graduate students to study mating tactics, sociality and parasitism in Cape ground squirrels in southern Africa and other species of North American ground squirrels. The purpose of this research is to test critical hypotheses about the evolution of social behavior using a combination of behavioural, physiological and molecular techniques. In the past, we have used field and laboratory methods to examine alternative reproductive tactics, parasitism, mating systems, and the costs and benefits of grouping in Africa ground squirrels. Students with interests in studying sociality, cooperative breeding, sperm competition, interspecific interactions, as well as the impacts of parasites and diseases on sociality are encouraged to apply. The project on the cooperative breeding Cape ground squirrel requires students to spend time at a field site in South Africa.  Experience with laboratory techniques and field work would be an advantage but is not required. Interested applicants should email a CV, unofficial transcripts and a preliminary statement of research interests to Dr. Jane Waterman (jane_waterman@umanitoba.ca), Dept. of Biological Sciences, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB. (posted on 10/26/11)

  • Ph.D. or M.Sc. position in plant reproductive system evolution. My lab (www.plantevolution.org) studies plant evolution using phylogenetics, population genetics, molecular biology, and ecology. I am looking for a highly motivated student to work on plant reproductive system evolution. Our model system is the genus Gesneria, which is endemic to the Antilles. The ancestor of the genus was strictly pollinated by hummingbirds, but the ability to be pollinated by bats has evolved five times independently in the genus, resulting in morphological convergence in these groups. Our main research goals are (1) to understand the genetic basis of these transitions between pollination syndromes, (2) to investigate the ecological circumstances associated with these transitions, and (3) to assess the impact of the transitions on speciation and extinction rates in the group. The successful candidate may work on one or more of these topics and the research could involve QTL mapping, comparative phylogenetics, field work, and molecular biology. The research will take place in the new Biodiversity Centre of the University of Montreal (www.biodiversite.umontreal.ca). Although the University of Montreal is a Francophone University, the work place is completely bilingual and the courses and thesis can be done in English. All graduate students are guaranteed a stable minimum income, as well as support for research and conference travel. Students with scholarships will be given a supplement.  Interested applicants should submit a letter of motivation, a current CV, unofficial transcripts of grades, and the contact details of two referees to Simon Joly (simon.joly@umontreal.ca). The position will remain open until filled. (posted on 10/19/11)

Post-doctoral positions:

  • Post-Doctoral Position in Plant Evolutionary Genomics at the University of Toronto. We are seeking applications for a Post-Doctoral Researcher to study the evolutionary genomic consequences of plant sexual reproduction in the Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology (www.eeb.utoronto.ca) and the Department of Biology (www.utm.utoronto.ca/~w3bio/homepage) at the University of Toronto. This project seeks to understand how repeated transitions between sexual and functionally asexual reproduction in the evening primrose family (Onagraceae) have shaped the evolution of plant transcriptomes, including the diversity and levels of expressed genes, the strength of selection of protein coding regions, the structural evolution of proteins, and the demographic and speciation history of sexual and asexual lineages. Click here for more information. Deadline to apply is March 1st 2012. (posted on 01/25/12)

  • Postdoctoral Fellowship, Memorial University - Phenotypic plasticity in gamete interactions and interpopulation hybrization in fish.  Applications are sought for a postdoctoral fellow to work on phenotypic plasticity and intraspecific hybridization related questions regarding fish reproduction. Click here for more information. (posted on 12/21/11)

  • University Postdoctoral Fellow, University of Connecticut. The Department of Ecology & Evolutionary Biology at the University of Connecticut invites applications for a University Postdoctoral Fellow on a project investigating evolutionary radiations in Protea and Pelargonium.  The successful applicant will be part of a large team that is investigating functional trait evolution in these genera in the context of the characteristics of communities in which they occur and their resilience to climate change (http://tinyurl.com/3jtz759).  The successful applicant will be responsible for design, implementation, and analysis of field and greenhouse experiments that explore the link between leaf traits, leaf physiology and leaf longevity in adaptation to broad environmental gradients in the Greater Cape Floristic Region of southern Africa. Extended travel or residence in the Greater Cape Floristic Region of southern Africa will be required for fieldwork and experiments. Qualifications: Minimum Qualifications:  Ph.D. in biology or a closely related field; and experience in plant ecophysiology (e.g., leaf longevity, interpretation of stable isotope data, photosynthesis). Preferred Qualifications:  Experience with Geographic Information Systems (GIS); statistical analysis (R); and phylogenetic comparative methods. This is a one year, grant funded position.  Continuation of this position may be possible for an additional year if performance is satisfactory and grant funding is available. To Apply:  Interested applicants should apply online using Husky Hire www.jobs.uconn.edu.  Applications should include a brief statement (1-2 pages) summarizing previous scientific work and experience, a curriculum vitae, and the names and addresses of up to three individuals able to evaluate the applicant’s qualifications for the position.  The position can start as soon as 1 March 2012.  Review of applications will begin on January 23, 2012.  Inquiries may be addressed to Carl Schlichting at: schlicht@uconn.edu.  The University of Connecticut is an EEO/AA employer. (posted on 12/19/11)

  • Post Doctoral Opportunity. A 2 year Post Doctoral position in the field of Fisheries Oceanography with a specific focus on the dynamics of large marine ecosystems is available to be filled immediately but no later than June 1 2012. The successful candidate will possess a strong background in ecology, have strong statistical/analytical skills and have a keen interest in conducting research at the interfaces between fisheries science, ecological theory and physical oceanography. He/she will be employed by Queen’s University, Kingston Ontario Canada, be physically based at the Bedford Institute of Oceanography (BIO) Dartmouth Nova Scotia Canada, and will collaborate with Drs. Kenneth T. Frank (BIO), Brian Petrie (BIO) and William C. Leggett (Queen’s).  Research will focus on analyses of large bio-physical databases available for NW Atlantic and worldwide ecosystems. Development and pursuit of personal research interests within the general field of enquiry will be encouraged and supported.  Interested candidates should contact Dr. K.T. Frank at <Kenneth.Frank@dfo-mpo.gc.ca> providing a CV and a detailed statement of relevant expertise and research interests.  Candidates may consult the following to obtain a sense of the research focus and scope to date: Choi, J.S. et al. 2004. Canadian Journal of Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences 61: 505- 510; Choi, J.S., et al. 2005. Oceanography and Marine Biology: An Annual Review 43:47-67; Frank K.T. et al. 2005 Science 308 (5728):1621-1623; Fisher, J.A.D. et al. 2008. Ecol. Lett. 11: 883-897; Petrie, B. et al. 2009. Fish. Oceanogr. 18:83-101; Fisher, J.A.D.  et al. 2010. Glob. Ecol. Biogeogr. 19:1-15; Fisher, J.A.D.  et al. 2010. Ecology 91:2499–2505; Frank, K.T. et al.  2011. Nature 477: 86–89. (posted on 12/02/11)

  • Post-doctoral Associate in High-elevation and Coastal Biodiversity and Climate Change; School of Environmental Studies, University of Victoria. The School of Environmental Studies at the University of Victoria (British Columbia, Canada) is searching for a post-doctoral associate to join a collaborative team studying the interior and high-elevation biodiversity of sites in the Great Bear Rainforest and the Coast Range of British Columbia. The successful post-doc will be supervised by Brian Starzomski, in the School of Environmental Studies, University of Victoria. Responsibilities: This project seeks to understand the importance of, and processes structuring, interior and high-elevation biodiversity within the Great Bear Rainforest, BC, as well as in the Coast Range. The large trees and near shore regions on the BC Coast are well known and studied, but in fact much of the interior in this region is characterized by stunted vegetation in bogs and on mountaintops. Little is known about it.  Further, climate change predictions for BC show significant impacts on biodiversity in these environments. The post-doc will be responsible for setting up observational and experimental studies to disentangle the factors structuring diversity in these habitats, as well as implementing studies on the impacts of climate change.  Field sites include those surrounding the Hakai Beach Institute on Calvert Island, BC, and high-elevation sites in the Coast Range north of Whistler, BC. Photos of the 2011 field season can be found here: http://web.uvic.ca/~starzom/research.html. The post-doc will also write reports, deliver presentations, and publish the results of their research in scientific journals. Employment Details: The anticipated start date is May 1, 2012. Compensation will be competitive and the position will extend for 3 years, pending successful progress. Qualifications: A PhD in community, population, or landscape ecology, or conservation or management (or a related discipline) is required. The successful candidate will have a strong quantitative background, excellent grounding in population and community ecology experimental design, and familiarity with landscape mapping and analysis platforms. An individual who is excited to work with First Nations partners on this project will have an advantage in the selection process. All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply. More information about the Starzomski Lab can be found here: http://web.uvic.ca/~starzom/index.html. For more information email starzom@uvic.ca. Applications (including a CV, the names of 3 references, and a letter of interest) can be sent to the same address. (posted on 11/21/11)

  • Graduate and Postdoctoral Positions, Impacts of Nanosilver on a Lake Ecosystem. We are seeking several highly motivated graduate students and/or postdoctoral fellows to participate in a whole-lake experiment involving the addition of nanosilver and the assessment of its fate and effects on lake food webs at the Experimental Lakes Area in northern Ontario (http://www.experimentallakesarea.ca/).  The graduate positions will be based at Trent University in Peterborough, ON as part of the Environmental and Life Sciences Graduate Program (http://www.trentu.ca/els/) or at the Department of Biology at the University of Manitoba in Winnipeg, MB (http://www.umanitoba.ca/Biology/). This is a highly interdisciplinary project and interested candidates should have a background in one or several of the fields of ecology, limnology, environmental science, toxicology, analytical chemistry or environmental chemistry. Candidates should be able to work as part of a large team, and willing to conduct research in both the field and in the laboratory. The positions would ideally begin between January and May, 2012. The graduate positions are intended to be funded at the Ph.D. level but we will consider exceptional M.Sc. candidates. Click here for more information. (posted on 11/09/11)

Tenure-track positions:

  • Professor Position in Integrative Ecology, Université de Bordeaux. COTE “Continental to Coastal Ecosystems: Evolution, Adaptability and Governance” is a Laboratory of Excellence (LabEx) recently created at the University of Bordeaux within the national programme of “Initiatives d’excellence” as a joint project with CNRS, INRA, CEMAGREF and IFREMER (see details on the dedicated website). Within the context of COTE, the University of Bordeaux hires a full time professor in the field of Integrative Ecology for a period of 4 years. We seek applicants who pursue research that aims for significant conceptual and empirical integration across traditional disciplinary boundaries in environmental sciences. The successful candidate will have limited teaching responsibilities in fields related to COTE activities.  Click here for more information. (posted on 12/21/11)

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