Graduate Students and Postdoctoral Fellows
Graduate Student Positions
A PhD in Insect/Pollination Ecology is available for a student with background and interest in studying pollinator population ecology and/or behaviour in plant restorations in a landscape context. Interested students should have experience in the field of ecology or evolutionary-ecology, strong statistical and field ecology skills, excellent interpersonal and writing abilities. For more info on the research in our lab please visit (https://risasargent.landfood.ubc.ca/). Please send a letter of interest, CV and contact info for two academic references to: Risa Sargent (risa.sargent@ubc.ca). Possible start dates: January 1st, May 1st or September 1st, 2025.
A PhD position is available through either the Zoology Department or the Institute for Resources, Environment and Sustainability in the WoRCS Lab for a student with background and interest in how agricultural diversification and habitat restoration within agriculture influences species movement and/or population persistence (various taxa), colony health (bumble bees), or ecosystem functions or services. Competitive candidates will have strong background and independent research experience in ecology/field ecology, statistical skills, excellent interpersonal and writing abilities, and interest or experience in applying science to conservation. Please send a letter of interest, CV and contact information for two academic references to: Claire Kremen (claire.kremen@ubc.ca). Possible start dates: May 1st or September 1st, 2025.
An MSc or PhD position in biodiversity co-benefits is available for a student with a background in terrestrial or wildlife ecology, and an interest in landscape and spatial ecology. This position will be based in the Little Ecology Group in the Department of Biological Sciences at Simon Fraser University. Competitive candidates will have independent research experience in field ecology, strong background in statistical analysis, excellent interpersonal and writing abilities, and should enjoy working in a team environment. Email a CV, transcript, and letter outlining your background and research interests to chelsea_little@sfu.ca. Possible start dates are January or May 2025. For more information, see www.littleecologygroup.ca.
A PhD position in aquatic carbon dynamics is available for a student with a background in freshwater ecology, biogeochemistry, and/or environmental science. Inland waterways play a significant role in the global carbon cycle, and the student will investigate whether perennial plantings in agricultural landscapes have spillover effects into the freshwater carbon cycle. This position will be based in the Little Ecology Group in the Department of Biological Sciences at Simon Fraser University. Competitive candidates will have experience in laboratory and field research, strong statistical and modelling skills, comfort in the R computing environment, and excellent interpersonal and writing abilities. Email a CV, transcript, and letter outlining your background and research interests to chelsea_little@sfu.ca. Possible start dates are January or May 2025. For more information, see www.littleecologygroup.ca.
A PhD position in the Department of Geography in quantifying and understanding the ecological drivers of carbon sequestration in woody vegetation in agricultural landscapes. Students should have interests in using remote sensing and field data to improve methods for measuring carbon stored in woody vegetation in agricultural landscapes. Competitive candidates will have independent research experience, a background in remote sensing/GIS and some experience with plant and/or ecosystem ecology, as well as strong writing and quantitative skills. Interested candidates should send a letter of interest, CV and contact information for two academic references to Naomi Schwartz (naomi.schwartz@ubc.ca). Possible start dates: May 1st or September 1st, 2025.
A thesis-based M.Sc. student position is available on the effects of agricultural land use, landscape structure, and perennial plantings on threatened bat species in southwest BC.The successful candidate will work within the interdisciplinary PERCS (Perennial and Ecosystem Restoration for Carbon Sequestration) project, collaborating with various stakeholders. The position is available in the Department of Forest Resources Management at the University of British Columbia under Dr. Matthew Mitchell. Research activities may include field collection of bat abundance and diversity data using acoustic recorders; mist-netting of bats to determine species identity, health, and demographics; radio telemetry to identify roosting locations; genomic analysis to determine bat diet and contributions to pest regulation; and modelling bat activity and abundance across agricultural landscapes. Desired qualifications include a B.Sc. in animal ecology, landscape ecology, conservation biology, wildlife management, or related field; excellent academic record and research experience; strong writing and communication skills; field ecology experience, including bat mist-netting and handling; experience with GIS and landscape analysis; and familiarity with acoustic monitoring techniques and data management. The position starts May 2025 at UBC’s Vancouver Campus. Applications, including a cover letter, CV, and transcripts, should be submitted as a single PDF to matthew.mitchell@ubc.ca with the subject “PERCS Bat MSc 2024”. Apply by September 6th, 2024, for full consideration.
Postdoctoral Fellowships
A two-year postdoctoral research position is available in Computation Entomology, hosted in the Plant-Insect Ecology and Evolution Lab at the University of British Columbia. The PDF will work on collaborative and independent projects focused on digital approaches to invertebrate biodiversity monitoring and ecosystem assessment within the PERCS Project, including extending ongoing bio-surveillance efforts with Agriculture and Agri-food Canada and the DARSA Lab at Aarhus University to survey landscapes for pests and beneficial insects. Applicants must have completed a PhD with a background in experimental sciences (e.g., ecology, biology, engineering, experimental physics, etc.). Successful applicants will have strong programming skills in, e.g. R and Python, and be familiar with image processing and imaging techniques, and a strong interest in ecology of natural systems, biodiversity conservation, and sustainable agriculture. Interested applicants should send a cover letter, CV, and representative publication to: Juli.carrillo@ubc.ca
A Postdoc in Insect/Pollination Ecology in Agro-ecological Landscape Restorations is available. Applicants should have a PhD in insect/pollinator population biology/ecology and/or behaviour. A background or research experience in sustainable agriculture, agroecology and/or landscape ecology would be an asset, as would skills in identifying bees. Interested students should have experience in the field of ecology or evolutionary-ecology, strong statistical and field ecology skills, excellent interpersonal and writing abilities. For more info on the research in our lab please visit (https://risasargent.landfood.ubc.ca/). Please send a letter of interest, CV and contact info for two academic references to: Risa Sargent (risa.sargent@ubc.ca). Possible start dates: January 1st, May 1st or September 1st, 2025.