MSc position at Trent University

MSc position at Trent University working to support Ontario lake fish biodiversity amid cumulative habitat pressures

Start date: January or May 2025

Freshwater fish biodiversity is increasingly imperiled by multiple habitat pressures worldwide such as urbanization, agriculture, and industrial expansion. As habitat pressures continue to expand, understanding how they may combine to affect fish biodiversity is key for supporting successful and meaningful evidence-based conservation and management decisions.

We are looking for a MSc student to join our research team to study how cumulative habitat pressures are influencing fish communities in Ontario lakes. The successful candidate will (1) analyse a large, multi-year fish community dataset to characterize the habitat pressures facing fish communities in Ontario lakes, and (2) develop evidence-based conservation indices in collaboration with government scientists and policy decision makers. The student will be based at the Environmental & Life Sciences program at Trent and be co-supervised by Dr. Alyssa Murdoch (Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources) and Dr. Graham Raby (Trent U). Fisheries and Oceans Canada is also a collaborator on the project (Dr. Cindy Chu).  

Essential qualifications and skills: Completion of a BSc in ecology, conservation, environmental studies, or a related field; strong verbal and written communication skills; data management and statistical analysis. Desired skills (not necessary to apply but beneficial): GIS/mapping, more advanced data management and analysis skills (e.g., statistical analysis of large datasets, R coding, Github), knowledge of aquatic ecology and Ontario fishes.

Stipend: $30k/year for two years, including teaching assistantships. The student will have the opportunity to seek out additional funding via internal and external scholarships.

To apply: Please send the following to Dr. Murdoch at [email protected] by November 8, 2024: 1) a letter of interest outlining how your interests and experiences are well suited to the position, 2) a CV, 3) contact information for two references, and 4) unofficial academic transcripts. Please use the subject line: Ontario lake fish biodiversity application.