MSc/PhD Studentin 6PPD Ecotoxicology

Project Description. Ecotoxicologists at Queen’s University and Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC) have come together to better understand the environmental occurrence and adverse effects of the tire antioxidant 6PPD in freshwater ecosystems. Vehicle tires commonly contain the chemical 6PPD to prevent them from breaking down, but recent scientific discoveries suggest this chemical is readily lost from tires and transformed into breakdown products that are toxic to some fish species.

With funding from ECCC, the Queen’s team is leading an evidence review to synthesize the state of the science on 6PPD in the freshwater environment. The team will follow guidelines from The Collaboration of Environmental Evidence. The successful student will join the evidence review team and be responsible for co-writing the evidence synthesis. In addition, the successful candidate will have the opportunity to develop a field-based research project to address a timely hypothesis regarding the ecotoxicology of 6PPD in freshwater ecosystems.

Position Details. The successful candidate will enroll in a graduate program (MSc or PhD) in the Department of Biology or School of Environmental Studies at Queen’s University in Kingston, Ontario, Canada. The student will be co-supervised at Queen’s by Dr. Diane Orihel (Associate Professor at Queen’s University; Director of QE3 Research Group) and Dr. Stacey Robinson (Adjunct Professor at Queen’s University, Research Scientist at Environment and Climate Change Canada). Queen’s University offers graduate students a competitive guaranteed stipend (consisting of a Queen’s Graduate Award, Supervisor’s Contribution, and Teaching Assistantships) with bonuses for NSERC awardees. Co-supervision provides unique opportunities to develop academic and government experiences and networks to broaden career options for the successful candidate.

Desired Qualifications

• BSc-Honors (for MSc) or research-based MSc (for PhD) degree in Toxicology, Environmental Sciences, Biology, Environmental Chemistry, or related field
• Knowledge and/or experience in aquatic ecotoxicology
• Interest in learning the process of evidence synthesis
• Methodical thinking and strong writing skills
• Team-oriented & committed to equity, diversity, inclusion

To Apply. Please email an application package to [email protected] (with the subject “6PPD24”) containing the following:

i) One-page cover letter explaining your interest in the project, how you meet the desired qualifications, and stating whether you are a Canadian citizen or permanent resident;

ii) University transcripts;

iii) A writing sample (e.g., thesis or published paper); and

iv) Contact information (name, position, affiliation, work email) for 3 references.

Application deadline is December 31, 2024, but early applications* are encouraged.

*If you are eligible for NSERC CGS-M scholarship (deadline Dec. 1), please apply as soon as possible.
We welcome applications from Indigenous, Black, LGBQT+, and persons from other under-represented groups.