PhD project on boreal forest responses to climate change
Institution: Trent University, Peterborough, Ontario, Canada (www.trentu.ca)
Supervisor: Dennis Murray (http://www.dennismurray.ca)
We are initiating a PhD project to assess responses to climate change among
native species in Canadas boreal forest. The boreal forest comprises
Canadas largest biome but its state is rapidly deteriorating, including
due to climate change. Our recent findings (Row et al. 2012 Glob. Chan.
Biol doi:10.1111/gcb.12526; Murray et al. 2017 PLoS (ONE) 12(5) e0176706)
forecast dire consequences to the boreal forest especially in the boundary
region between Ontario-Quebec where disjunct east-west populations of
native plants, birds, and mammals, and extensive loss of native
biodiversity, likely will arise. Through field sampling, species
distribution modeling, population viability analysis, and/or landscape
genetics and adaptive genomics, the PhD student will determine: 1) the
current and potential future extent of change in boreal species in the
Ontario-Quebec region relative to less-impacted areas; 2) how boreal
breakdown may affect population processes and viability of native species
in the region; 3) whether invasives are colonizing the region
disproportionately quickly compared to other regions; and 4) if native or
invasive species in the region demonstrate genome-level evidence of stress
or adaptation to environmental change. The PhD student will have the
opportunity to develop specific research questions within the scope of the
larger project.
The funding package includes a competitive stipend, foreign tuition waiver
(if the student is not a Canadian citizen or permanent resident) as well
coverage of all research expenses. Successful candidates will have an MSc
in Ecology, Conservation Biology, or related field, demonstrated evidence
of peer-reviewed publications, strong quantitative, genetics, and/or field
skills, and an interest in working collaboratively as part of a larger
group. The PhD student will join the Integrative Wildlife Conservation
laboratory at Trent University (www.dennismurray.ca) and be part of an
interdisciplinary team addressing innovative solutions to environmental
change (www.create-enviro.ca).
To apply, send a cover letter, curriculum vitae, unofficial academic
transcript, and contact information for 3 references, to: Dennis Murray
(dennismur...@trentu.ca). The successful candidate will begin enrolment at
Trent University by January or May 2018, and we will accept applications
until a suitable candidate is found, so apply early.
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