We are seeking a PhD candidate within the context of a team project entitled: Resilience and adaptation of the maple-dominated forest stands in the face of climate change. We will study the dynamics and functioning of forest ecosystems in the transitional zone between temperate deciduous and coniferous boreal forests in three regions of Québec (Abitibi, Bas St-Laurent and Estrie). The successful candidate will be under the supervision of Dominique Gravel (University of Québec at Rimouski), and co-supervision of Christian Messier (UQAM) and Yves Bergeron (UQAT).
Project description. We are currently installing three permanent plots of 5-20 ha in order to monitor the dynamics of forest ecosystems at the transition between the temperate and boreal forest. The candidate will study the recruitment of sugar maple and balsam fir with aims to better understand the factors that affect their response to climate change. The candidate will also be invited to develop simulation models to better understand the migration dynamics of sugar maple. Qualifications. A graduate degree in biology, forestry or environmental science is required. Candidates must also have strong skills in forest ecology, statistics and analyses of large databases. An interest in ecological modeling is considered a valuable asset. We especially encourage creative students who are adept to teamwork and have strong communication skills. Instructions. Applications, including a letter describing research interests, a CV, copies of transcripts and the contact information for two references, or any questions about the project should be directed to [email protected]. A grant of $ 20,000 per year for 3 years is offered. The students studies will be conducted within the biology doctoral program at the University of Québec at Rimouski. The student will be invited to participate in laboratory activities of C. Messier and Y. Bergeron and may benefit from the services offered by the Centre for Forest Research (CFR/CEF). The PhD candidate will also be invited to collaborate with members of the research network of the Smithsonian Institution Global Earth Observatory, which tracks more than 3 million trees spread over 40 sites of similar studies around the world. Dominique Gravel Canada Research Chair Continental ecosystem ecology Université du Québec à Rimouski 300 Allée des Ursulines Rimouski, Québec, G5L 3A1 (418) 723-1986 #1752 [email protected]
