Location: Waterloo, Ontario, Canada
Positions: 3 PhD and Postdoctoral Funded Research Positions
Deadline: Applications accepted on a rolling basis until positions are filled
Are you passionate about forest ecology, sustainability, and working with communities to create innovative solutions for climate resilience? Wilfrid Laurier University in Waterloo, Ontario, is offering three exciting research opportunities as part of the Future Harvest Partnership. These positions are ideal for those eager to apply their expertise in forest ecology, environmental sciences, and agricultural sustainability to real-world challenges in Canada’s Northwest Territories.
About the Future Harvest Partnership
The Future Harvest Partnership is a collaborative research initiative funded by the SSHRC Sustainable Agriculture Research Initiative. This partnership brings together Wilfrid Laurier University, the Territorial Agrifood Association, and the Government of the Northwest Territories (NWT), aiming to build a climate-resilient local food system. The project involves working closely with Indigenous communities to develop sustainable practices for food production and ecosystem management.
The available positions—one postdoctoral researcher and three PhD students—will contribute to this multidisciplinary research project, engaging in field studies and innovative research in fire-impacted ecosystems and agricultural sustainability in the NWT.
Postdoctoral Researcher: Forest Ecology and Community Engagement
The Postdoctoral Researcher position is designed for an ecologist passionate about leading cutting-edge research in forest ecology and traditional food systems. As a postdoc, you will:
- Lead a research team focused on soil sampling, habitat recovery, and restoration projects in fire-impacted ecosystems across the NWT.
- Collaborate with Indigenous communities to co-create sustainable food production methods, such as transplanting berry plants and enhancing access to traditional food sources.
- Work with a diverse team of researchers to model the recovery of wildlife habitats and develop sustainable practices for traditional food harvesting.
PhD Positions: Exploring Sustainable Agricultural Practices in NWT
PhD 1: Enhancing Soil Carbon Sequestration for Sustainable Agriculture
This PhD position focuses on soil amendments, regenerative agriculture methods, and carbon sequestration techniques to reduce emissions and optimize agricultural yields in the NWT. The ideal candidate will:
- Conduct field trials to measure carbon emissions and evaluate soil protection strategies.
- Work closely with farmers and researchers to develop practices that align with Canada’s net-zero emissions goals.
PhD 2: Evaluating the Impact of Fire Retardant on Northern Ecosystems
This position will study the retention of fire retardant in northern soils and its impact on both terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems. As a PhD student, you will:
- Investigate the effects of fire retardants on crops and harvested wild plants, including berries.
- Explore the impact of these chemicals on downstream aquatic ecosystems and evaluate their long-term ecological effects.
PhD 3: Farmer-Led Research Initiatives for Sustainable Agriculture
This PhD will focus on farmer-led research to develop sustainable agricultural practices in the NWT. You will:
- Work with local food producers to design and implement experimental trials on topics like soil health, carbon emissions, and crop variety testing.
- Engage with communities to build a participatory network for knowledge sharing and sustainability.
Who Should Apply?
These positions are ideal for PhD holders or graduate students with a background in ecology, environmental science, or agricultural sciences. Experience in fieldwork, geospatial data analysis, statistical modeling, and community engagement will be highly valuable. The successful candidates will have a passion for sustainable development, climate resilience, and working closely with Indigenous communities.
Why Apply to Wilfrid Laurier University?
Joining this research group offers an incredible opportunity to:
- Lead innovative research that directly contributes to climate resilience and sustainability in Northern Canada.
- Collaborate with experts in the field of forest ecology and sustainable agriculture.
- Make a meaningful impact by improving food security and promoting sustainable agricultural practices in remote communities.
How to Apply:
Interested candidates should contact Dr. Jennifer Baltzer directly at jbaltzer@wlu.ca with the following:
- A resume or CV
- Transcripts (unofficial are fine)
- A sample of your written work (if available)
- A cover letter highlighting your motivation and career path
The positions are open for immediate consideration, with the goal of starting fieldwork during the summer of 2025. All applicants will be evaluated on a rolling basis.
To see more details, visit here
Explore More Opportunities Like This
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Conclusion
If you’re excited about the opportunity to drive meaningful change in forest ecology and sustainable agriculture, this is your chance. Apply today to be part of a groundbreaking project that connects research, community engagement, and environmental resilience in the face of climate change.
Deadline: Applications are accepted until all positions are filled, so don’t wait to apply!
To explore exciting PhD and Postdoc opportunities, visit our page at BioCareersHub. Find detailed listings and apply today to advance your research career!