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PhD student interested in community ecology, landscape ecology, and/or ecosystem ecology

Posted: 
10/18/2022
Expiration Date: 
11/15/2022

The Little Ecology Group seeks a PhD student interested in community ecology, landscape ecology, and/or ecosystem ecology to start in summer or fall 2023. The position will focus on ecosystem functioning, resource subsidies, and community assembly in landscapes, including at least two of the following:

  • fieldwork based in British Columbia, with a focus on watersheds; 
  • laboratory or field mesocosm experiments;
  • geostatistical modeling of ecosystem function; and 
  • data synthesis. 

Within this framework of topics and approaches, the group leader Dr. Chelsea Little is excited to work together with students to develop research ideas that inspire them. The PhD student will also have the opportunity to work on collaborative projects in the Little Ecology Group, and potentially external collaborations as well.

The Little Ecology Group values diversity and seeks to build an inclusive lab. Currently, our research group consists of mix of masters students and undergraduate researchers. A PhD student would have the opportunity to hold a senior role in the group, and is expected to contribute to a welcoming and inclusive atmosphere. International students and those from groups that are under-represented in ecology are encouraged to apply, including those with disabilities. You can read our lab values statement here.

Eligibility: The student will be enrolled in the PhD program in the Biological Sciences department at Simon Fraser University. Information about the program, including admission criteria, can be found here. Candidates who have completed a masters degree in a relevant field will have an advantage, but exceptional candidates who hold only a bachelors degree but have relevant research experience are also welcome to apply. (Note: the Biological Sciences admission criteria require that candidates with only a bachelors degree have attained a 3.5 GPA [or equivalent, if on a different scale] in their bachelors degree program.)

Compensation: Masters students will receive $26,000 per year in compensation for at least four years. It is expected that a portion of this will come from teaching assistantships, and that students will apply for appropriate fellowships/scholarships. For example, Canadian applicants are expected to develop an NSERC CGS-D application in fall of 2023, if they are selected for the position. Funding from TAships and fellowships will be complemented with my research funding. The Biological Sciences funding policy can be found here. 

How to Apply: To express your interest, get more information, or ask questions about my mentorship approach, please email your CV and a cover letter (maximum one page) that includes a short description of your research interests, a note about your career goals, and contact information for 2 references to Chelsea_little AT sfu.ca. Review of applications will begin on November 15, 2022. Applications will be accepted after that point, but be aware that a decision may have already been made.