MSc and PhD Opportunities in Aquatic Ecology, Zooplankton Biology - TIDE Lab
Funded MSc and PhD Opportunities in Aquatic Ecology, Zooplankton Biology, and Environmental Change
Department of Biology, Concordia University (Montreal, Canada)
The TIDE Lab (Traits, Interactions, and Dynamics of Aquatic Ecosystems) at Concordia University is recruiting one MSc student and one PhD student to join a new research program investigating how environmental change influences aquatic organisms, populations, and food webs.
The lab studies how climate change affects organism performance, physiological resilience, resource allocation, and nutritional quality in freshwater and marine ecosystems. Research combines experimental ecology, zooplankton biology and taxonomy, molecular approaches, lipidomics, and quantitative ecology to address questions at the intersection of organismal biology and ecosystem science.
The TIDE Lab will be established by Dr. Jessica Garzke, who will join Concordia University as a faculty member in May 2027. Students will have the opportunity to help build a growing research program while developing expertise across ecology, physiology, biochemistry, and molecular biology.
1) MSc: Climate Change, Zooplankton Ecology & Nutritional Biology
Zooplankton are tiny aquatic animals that form the critical link between microscopic algae and fish, supporting aquatic food webs worldwide.
The MSc project will investigate how environmental change affects the physiology, nutritional quality, and performance of aquatic organisms. Depending on the student's interests, the project may include laboratory experiments, zooplankton identification and taxonomy, lipidomic analyses, and quantitative data analysis.
Students will receive training in:
- Zooplankton taxonomy and microscopy
- Experimental aquatic ecology
- Climate change biology
- Lipidomics and fatty-acid analyses
- Statistical analysis in R
- Scientific writing and communication
2) PhD: Physiological and Biochemical Responses to Environmental Change
Can organisms adjust quickly enough to keep pace with a changing world?
The PhD project will investigate how physiological and biochemical responses influence resilience to environmental change. Research may explore resource-allocation strategies, nutritional ecology, physiological responses to environmental stress, and the ecological consequences of environmental change across generations and food webs.
Students will receive training in:
- Experimental ecology and environmental physiology
- Zooplankton biology and taxonomy
- Transcriptomics and molecular approaches
- Lipidomics and biochemical ecology
- Data synthesis and ecological modelling
- Scientific leadership and project development
Research Environment
The TIDE Lab is a newly established research group at Concordia University focused on understanding how environmental change shapes aquatic life, from genes to food webs.
Students joining the lab will have the opportunity to help build an exciting new research program while receiving interdisciplinary training spanning ecology, physiology, molecular biology, biochemistry, and quantitative analysis. Research projects will be developed collaboratively, allowing students to shape their own research questions while contributing to a broader understanding of aquatic ecosystem resilience in a changing world.
Students will be supported in developing scientific, professional, and leadership skills through conference presentations, publications, collaborations, and mentorship opportunities.
Although the core research program centers on experimental and laboratory-based approaches, some projects may include opportunities for freshwater and marine fieldwork, including participation in ecological monitoring programs and research expeditions.
Students will join a vibrant research community in Montreal and have opportunities to interact with researchers across Concordia University and other institutions in the region.
Funding
The TIDE Lab currently has funding available for one MSc student and one PhD student. Additional graduate opportunities may become available through competitive scholarships and future research grants.
Canadian students will be encouraged and supported in applications for NSERC graduate scholarships.
Qualifications
Students from a variety of backgrounds are encouraged to apply, especially those who are interested in integrating molecular and biochemical methods with aquatic ecology and physiology, including:
- Biology
- Ecology
- Marine Biology
- Freshwater Biology
- Biological Oceanography
We are particularly interested in students who are excited by aquatic ecology, zooplankton biology and taxonomy, experimental research, molecular approaches, and biochemistry.
Application Details
Interested students should send the following materials directly to Dr. Jessica Garzke:
- Curriculum vitae (CV)
- Unofficial transcripts
- A brief statement of interest (maximum 1 page) describing:
- research interests
- relevant experience
- career goals
- why you are interested in joining the TIDE Lab
- Contact information for two references
Applications will begin being reviewed on November 15, 2026, and will continue until the positions are filled.
Prospective students are warmly encouraged to get in touch before applying. Questions about the lab, potential projects, funding, or whether your background may be a good fit are always welcome.
Dr. Jessica Garzke
Incoming Assistant Professor (May 2027)
Department of Biology
Concordia University
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.jessicagarzke.ca
Additional information about Concordia University's Biology graduate program is available here:
MSc: https://www.concordia.ca/academics/graduate/biology-msc.html
PhD: https://www.concordia.ca/academics/graduate/biology-phd.html
