Funded PhD or MSc position to study overwintering biology of a forest pest
The Marshall lab (www.marshall-lab.com) is recruiting a graduate student to study diapause in the eastern spruce budworm, in collaboration with partners at the Great Lakes Forestry Centre (Ontario) and St. Francis Xavier University (Antigonish, Nova Scotia).
Program: https://zoology.ubc.ca/graduate-program – PhD or MSc position available
Start date: May 2024 preferred, but other start dates are possible
Location: Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. Located on the unceded, ancestral territories of the xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish), and səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh) Nations.
Funding: Minimum stipend of $31,000 CAD per year for four years (PhD) or two years (MSc).
The Project: Diapause of the eastern spruce budworm (Choristoneura fumiferana)
Understanding the overwintering biology of eastern spruce budworm is important for predicting its impact as a forest pest.
Like many insects, spruce budworm overwinter in diapause. Diapause is an important but enigmatic process that we still don’t fully understand in this species.
The core of this project will be measuring fitness effects of fall conditions: flight energetics, metabolism, cryoprotectant concentrations, and cold hardiness.
Some travel to laboratories of collaborators (e.g., for training) is likely.
Qualifications:
A strong academic background that includes the completion of all requirements for a thesis-based MSc (for PhD applicants) or thesis-based BSc Honours (for MSc applicants) prior to the proposed start date. Applicants with equivalent experience are also encouraged to apply.
Previous experience with one or more of the following research areas would be an asset, but is not required: respirometry, biochemistry, entomology, forestry, or insect flight physiology.
Lifelong learner with a curiosity about how life works.
Strong attention to detail, organization, and time-management skills.
Ability to work well independently and a commitment to working equitably within diverse teams or groups of people.
What we offer:
A welcoming and inclusive laboratory environment
Flexibility in project design and goals, particularly for PhD students
Three weeks + Dec 24 – Jan. 2 vacation time
A warm and supportive department
Support for student career goals, including free optional training in teaching, project management, and Wilderness First Aid
Direct collaboration with government scientists, providing experience with government career paths
To Apply: Assessment of applications will begin on December 20, 2023 and will continue until the position is filled. Informal inquiries are also welcome. To apply, email Katie Marshall (kmarshall@zoology.ubc.ca) with the subject line “Spruce budworm PhD/MSc” with the following pdf attachments.
A CV or resume outlining your academic, work, and volunteer experience
A 1 page cover letter summarizing your qualifications, research interests, and how this graduate position will help you realize your future goals
Your unofficial university transcripts
We particularly welcome applications from people who identify with groups underrepresented in STEM fields. International students are welcome to apply.