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 The Environmental & Life Sciences Graduate Program here at Trent is broad and varied in its approach to research. We have a number of graduate student research opportunities available for M.Sc or Ph.D. students. Every faculty member or adjunct faculty member potentially has projects available and are willing to supervise your research. We would strongly urge you to review the Faculty Listing from this website and directly contact ANY faculty members whose research may interest you. Below, you will find additional research opportunities for which some of our faculty are actively recruiting. Are you ready…? Last updated February, 2013 M.Sc./Ph.D. Graduate position Contemporary evolution in response to rapid changes in selective pressures Project Description: I am seeking a student to investigate contemporary evolution and demographic constraints on local adaptation among coevolved and naïve disease vectors. These questions are of practical relevance given pronounced climatic changes associated with changing infectious disease dynamics. This research will be conducted with a collaborative team that includes the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources and Natural Resources DNA Profiling and Forensic Centre that houses high throughput DNA sequencers, a next generation pyrosequencer that enables genome sequencing and transcriptome analysis. Qualifications: Bsc. (Hons) with a minimum of 77% on last 10 full university credits (B+ Average) Start Date(s): Preference: September 2013, however January 2014 also possible To Apply: Please submit a cover letter that includes a brief summary of your research experience/interests/goals, CV, unofficial transcripts, and names of 2 academic references to: Dr. C. J. Kyle, Associate Professor, Trent University 2140 East Bank Drive, Peterborough, ON, K9J 7B8 http://web.nrdpfc.ca/bios/dr_chriskyle.html Students will also be required to apply to the Environmental & Life Sciences graduate program
Graduate student positions Physical Geography and Environmental Science Up to three graduate student openings are available for interdisciplinary projects in physical geography and environmental science. Several projects are available ranging from urban hydrology and biogeochemical cycling in urban ‘hotspots’, to the response of forested catchments and wetlands to changes in climate and atmospheric deposition. Positions would begin in May or September 2013. MSc. candidates are preferred, but funding is available for one PhD project. For consideration or further information, please email Catherine Eimers with a statement of your research interests, CV and contact information for two references. Graduate position Prediction of Soil Nitrogen Supply to Corn Crop using a Simple Kinetic Model
The objective of the proposed study is to predict the growing season soil N supply (SNS) in corn under the cool-humid climatic conditions of Ontario using a simple kinetics model. Qualifications: A BSc (Hons) degree in Agriculture, Environmental Sciences or Biology with a min. of 77% on last 10 full university credits (B+ average). Dates: May 2013 To Apply: Please submit a cover letter that includes a brief summary of your research experience/interests/goals, CV, unofficial transcripts, and names of 2 academic references to: Dr. Mehdi Sharifi, Ph: 705-7481011 ext. 7954; Fax: 705-748-1569; Email: mehdisharifi@trentu.ca Students will also be required to apply to the Environmental & Life Sciences graduate program through Trent University at www.trentu.ca/graduatestudies
Graduate Positions Biogeochemistry/Ecosystem Science Our research lab is seeking a motivated, creative individual to investigate the impact of air pollution on epiphytic lichen communities in Ontario and Alberta. Regional surveys in southern Ontario have identified regions where epiphytic lichens are either absent or are dominated by just one or two tolerant lichen species. This project will involve a series of field and lab studies that will evaluate the impact of air pollution on epiphytic lichen communities in both regions. Applicants should have a background in biogeochemistry, a valid drivers’ licence and be comfortable working outdoors in all seasons. For further details contact: Dr. Shaun Watmough, Environmental and Resource Studies, Trent University, Peterborough, ON K9J 7B8
M.Sc. Graduate Position M.Sc. Position in invasion genetics in the Environmental and Life Sciences Graduate Program in collaboration with the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources. This project will entail the development and implementation of environmental DNA (eDNA) markers that can be used to detect water soldier, an invasive perennial aquatic plant native to Eurasia, and mitigate its invasion. Using a combination of field, laboratory, and experimental methods, the goals of this project are to (a) quantify the efficacy of eDNA markers under a range of conditions, (b) use eDNA markers to map the presence and absence of water soldier in a range of habitats, and (c) develop predictive tools that will facilitate future management of this introduced species. The project will be co-supervised by Dr. Joanna Freeland, Dept. of Biology, Trent University, and Dr. Chris Wilson, Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources. Qualifications: BSc or similar degree. Previous experience in field work and genetic lab work an asset, but not essential. Enthusiasm and willingness to get wet are essential! How to apply: Application should include (1) a letter stating why the applicant should be considered a strong candidate for the position, (2) a CV, (3) names, with e-mail address and telephone numbers, of two referees, and (4) any other documents that the applicant deems relevant. Please send enquiries or applications to joannafreeland@trentu.ca and chris.wilson@ontario.ca . Dr. Joanna Freeland, Biology http://people.trentu.ca/joannafreeland/ Dr. Chris Wilson, OMNR http://web.nrdpfc.ca/cwilson.htm
M.Sc. Graduate Position Conservation Genetics in the Environmental & Life Sciences Graduate Program in collaboration with the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources. Project description: Using a combination of field and lab work, the objective of this project is to quantify population genetic parameters of the eastern flowering doogwood (Cornus florida L.) species (genetic diversity, inbreeding, gene flow), search for possible sources of resistant trees, and contribute to the ongoing mapping of infected trees. This project will be done in collaboration with personnel from the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources. Qualifications: BSc (Hons) or similar degree. Previous experience in field work and genetic lab work an asset, but not essential. How to apply: Application should include (1) a letter stating why the applicant should be considered a strong candidate for the position, (2) a CV, (3) names, with e-mail addresses and telephone numbers, of two referees, and (4) any other documents that the applicant deems relevant. Please send enquiries or applications to joannafreeland@trentu.ca .
Ph.D./M.Sc. Graduate Position Molecular Ecology See Full Ad Expected start date: September 1, 2013. Interested applicants should submit a cover letter that includes a brief summary of your research experience/interests/goals, CV, unofficial transcripts, and names of 2 academic references to Dr. Joanna Freeland. Letters of enquiry also welcome.
Graduate Research Opportunity Forest Hydrology Highly motivated graduate students (both MSc and PhD) are sought to participate in ongoing research examining the hydrological consequences of forest management and disturbance. Financial support for your graduate studies will be provided through a combination of research (NSERC supported) and teaching assistantships. Interested applicants should have an undergraduate degree in physical geography, geology, environmental science or engineering. Applicants should be able to work as part of an interdisciplinary team, and be willing to conduct research in both the field and the laboratory. Interested applicants should submit a cover letter that includes a brief summary of your research experience and interests, a CV, and unofficial transcripts to Dr Jim Buttle (jbuttle@trentu.ca).
Graduate Position Sustainable Agriculture: Organic Nitrogen Dynamics in Soils Supervisory Contact: Dr. Mehdi Sharifi ( mehdisharifi@trentu.ca ), Canada Research Chair (CRC) in Sustainable Agriculture, Environmental and Resource Studies Program, Trent University, Peterborough Project: Our recent studies have been shown the possibility of existing a finite capacity of soils to retain organic nitrogen (N), similar to organic carbon. We noted that intermediate and stable mineralizable N pools have a finite capacity to retain and preserve soil organic N. The organic N accumulation above this capacity is more associated with accumulation of N in a temporary mineralizable N pool, which is unprotected by soil particles and is prone to losses to the environment. This pool is the main contributor to soil N supply during the growing season. In this research study we are going to explore this theory in more detail and investigate the factors controlling capacity of soils to retain organic N.
Graduate Position Effects of Nanosilver on a Lake Ecosystem We are seeking highly motivated graduate students to participate in the Lake Ecosystem Nanosilver (LENS) project; a study of ecosystem level responses to nanosilver. The graduate positions will be based at Trent University in Peterborough, ON, Canada as part of the Environmental and Life Sciences Graduate Program. This is a highly interdisciplinary project and interested candidates should have a background in one or several of the fields of ecology, limnology, environmental science, toxicology, analytical chemistry or environmental chemistry. The positions would ideally begin on May 1, 2013. The graduate positions are intended to be funded at the Ph.D. level but we will consider exceptional M.Sc. candidates. For consideration, please send to one of the contacts below by e-mail: a letter of intent, a statement of interests, a c.v. and the contact information for 3 references. Contacts:
Graduate Research Assistantship Biogeochemistry We invite highly motivated Ph.D. and M.Sc. students to apply for two graduate assistantships at Trent University. Successful applicants will examine the effects of physical chemical parameters on dissolved organic matter composition in arctic rivers and seas (for more information go to lab website for on-going projects). Interested candidates should send a CV, brief description of their educational background and a short statement of purpose demonstrating scientific interests to Dr. Céline Guéguen. Graduate Research Opportunity Wind Tunnel Simulation Studies The Erosion Research Group (ERG) at Trent University is seeking graduate students to conduct either MSc or PhD thesis research investigating topics related to surficial and atmospheric control of wind erosion and dust emission using Trent's Environmental Wind Tunnel (TEWT). Detailed information about this facility is avalable on the group website. Applicants may apply for admission in September, January, or May. An undergraduate degree in any of the following disciplines is considered appropriate: physical geography, geology, meteorology, environmental science, engineering, or physics. Please send an email outlining your interests and any questions that you might have in advance of your formal application directly to: Cheryl McKenna Neuman (cmckneuman@trentu.ca)
M.Sc./ Ph.D. Graduate Positions Molecular Parasitology/Biochemistry See Full Ad No laboratory experience is necessary but the student must have enthusiasm and willingness to learn. Full financial support is offered for qualified applicants. Interested applicants should submit a cover letter that includes a brief summary of your research experience/interests/goals, CV, unofficial transcripts, and names of 2 academic references to Dr. Janet Yee jyee@trentu.ca.
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