PhD project opportunity

Lake ecosystem restoration:

a large-scale field experiment of eco-evolutionary dynamics

Current ecosystem impact assessment and restoration practices are based on ecology, and they do not integrate evolutionary principles for understanding the interplay between ecology and evolution that could be important for the outcome of ecosystem restoration projects in nature. We will capitalise on an unprecedented opportunity of replicated, whole-lake ecosystem evolutionary manipulations in Alaska (USA). This experiment is one the the largest whole lake manipulations of evolutionary phenotypic variation that has been conducted in a natural setting.

We invite applications for a PhD project opportunity that will quantify the extent to which evolutionary processes impact lake ecology during ecosystem restoration by evaluating the effects of evolutionarily divergent fish introductions on aquatic biodiversity and lake ecosystem processes. The successful PhD candidat will be based in Montréal at the Université du Québec à Montréal (UQAM), and will collaborate with researchers at McGill University, as well as with international collaborators. Interested candidates should have a MSc diploma in biology or in a relevant discipline, with a interest and experience in field ecology, aquatic ecology, evolutionary biology, and statistical analyses. We believe that our research group will produce better science if it includes a diversity of perspectives. We encourage anyone with an interest in the project to apply, especially from groups that are traditionally under-represented. The successful applicant will be fully funded for the four year duration of their program.

To apply, please send your CV, a motivation letter, and your transcript to Alison Derry (derry.alison@uqam.ca).

We will consider all applications until the position is filled.

Latest start: May 2024

In the Department of Biological Sciences at UQAM, there is a dynamic and highly collaborative team of 11 aquatic ecologists (GRIL-UQAM – Groupe de Recherche Interuniversitaire en Limnologie). There is huge potential for innovative collaborations in evolutionary, community and microbial ecology, biogeochemistry, and landscape ecology within the aquatic sciences.

If you are interested in joining my lab, I suggest reading a few of my recent papers in the area that interests you (see Research topics and Publications). I would also encourage you to read through the summaries of our ongoing projects (see Lab members). Once you have had a chance to think about how your interests mesh with mine, feel free to email me and we can discuss how you might fit into the lab. Please send me a CV and a transcript (could be unofficial at this stage) with your email.

Prospective students and post-doctoral fellows are strongly encouraged to apply for scholarships and fellowships.