MSc position at Trent University

MSc position at Trent University: Effects of wildfire on fish communities

Start date: May 2025

Warming and altered precipitation patterns are contributing to increased wildfire frequency and severity. Following a wildfire, adjacent lakes can change in important ways, including increases in water temperature, increased nutrient and metal concentrations, and changes in food webs with potential consequences for fisheries.

We are looking for an MSc student to join our research team to study how wildfire is influencing fish communities in lakes in Ontario’s boreal forest. The successful candidate will (1) participate in fish community and lake ecosystem field data collection in Quetico Provincial Park, and (2) examine the effects of wildfire on fish community indicators using a before-after-control-impact study design. 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).

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; comfortable working in a remote, wilderness setting. Desired skills (not necessary to apply but beneficial): Experience conducting ecological field research, more advanced data management and analysis skills (e.g., R coding, GIS/mapping), 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 December 20, 2024: 1) a letter of interest outlining how your interests and experiences are suited to the position, 2) a CV, 3) contact information for two references, and 4) unofficial academic transcripts. Please use the subject line: Wildfire fish communities application.