MSc opportunity - Aquatic Ecology

The impact of iron mining on northern aquatic biodiversity

Start date: Fall 2025 or Winter 2026 in the Department of Biological Sciences, UQAM, Montréal QC
Application deadline: May 30, 2025 

Two MSc in Aquatic Ecology are available in the Department of Biological Sciences at the Université du Québec à Montréal in the laboratory of Prof. Alison Derry. 

The project will address debated uncertainties about how atmospheric iron pollution of aquatic ecosystems from historical and contemporary mining influences freshwater biodiversity in northeastern Quebec (Canada). Environmental DNA, combined with next-generation sequencing and metabarcoding, will be applied to conventional paleolimnological approaches to assess changes in freshwaters in relation to the onset of mining activities in northeastern Quebec/Labrador. 

The project is in close collaboration with our government partner (Dr. Zofia Taranu, Environment Canada and Climate Change) and collaborations with the Innu Nation of Matimekush-Lac John and the Naskapi Nation of Kawawachikamach. The project will provide missing ecological information that can be used to develop policy on improved guidelines for the management of airborne dust emissions associated with open-pit mining operations in remote areas with sensitive ecosystems and indigenous communities across northern Canada. 

Figure: Black bear drinking from a river impacted by red water discharge near Schefferville QC (newspiece 19/05/2019).

The successful candidate will benefit from training in aquatic ecology, field research in northern Quebec, paleolimnology, and molecular applications in environmental DNA. The successful candidate will benefit from a strong scientific core in aquatic sciences at UQAM, and will work in a collaborative and dynamic environment in Montreal. 

The successful candidate:
- have graduated or be close to graduating with a BSc - ideally in biology
- Ideally bilingual (FR/AN)
- Have the ability to communicate in French

- Have had at least one course or experience in aquatic ecology and molecular biology 
- Will receive a scholarship of at least $18,000/year for two years

To apply, send an e-mail to Prof Alison Derry, Department of Biological Sciences, Université du Québec à Montréal: [email protected]

Please include: your curriculum vitae, transcripts (“unofficial” format is sufficient at this stage) and the contact details of at least one reference (who can comment on your scientific abilities).