Spatial simulation of habitat supply for the Bathurst caribou herd, Northwest
Territories, under fire, human landuse and climate change.
An NSERC funded graduate position in wildlife habitat modelling is available in
the Département des sciences du bois et de la forêt, Université Laval. Working
with a diverse team of field ecologists, modellers, government scientists and
students, the applicant will "integrate field-based research on caribou
ecology, fire dynamics, and human use patterns within a spatial dynamic
(landscape) model designed to understand and forecast the long-term
implications of climate change for the distribution of barren-ground caribou on
the Bathurst herd's winter range." For an example of one modelling framework
that could be adapted to this project, see Leroux et al. 2007. Accounting for
system dynamics in reserve design. Ecological Applications 17(7):1954-1966.
The project can be adapted to a PhD student or to an exceptional MSc student.
The successful applicant will need to have or develop some skills in
programming environments like Visual Basic or SELES so candidates with
simulation modelling experience will be at significant advantage (courses on
these subjects are offerred in Cumming's lab). Otherwise, the main
qualifications for this position are strong quantitative skills and an interest
in applied ecology or boreal conservation, independent of disciplinary
background. A working knowldege of GIS would also be an asset, although
technical support will be available. The applicant will have the opportunity to
travel to Yellowknife and points north for meetings and site visits once or
twice a year, although no significant field work is contemplated. Holders of
NSERC PGS or other scholarships are obviously encouraged to apply. Note that
although the language of instruction at Université Laval is French, one's
thesis may be wri!
tten in English. The position may commence in September 2008. Applicants
should submit by email a short statement of interest, a current CV, and the
names of three references. For further information, contact the undersigned:
Steve Cumming
Chaire de Recherche du Canada,
Modélisation des écosystèmes boréaux
Département des sciences du bois et de la forêt
Université Laval
[EMAIL PROTECTED]
(418) 656-2131 poste 2593
