Masters and PhD Opportunities in Modelling, Ecology, and Evolution of Microbes for Better Clima[...]

Trent University; Canada; On-site; CAD 30,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading Canadian research institution is recruiting PhD and Master's students in Environmental Microbial Ecology and Climate Change. Successful candidates will conduct advanced research on microbial interactions and their impact on climate change. Offered positions include competitive stipends of at least $28k/year, flexible working arrangements, and opportunities to influence environmental policy. Early contact for application preparation is encouraged.

Benefits

Competitive stipend

Flexible working arrangements

Support for Study Permit for international applicants

Qualifications

• Applicants must hold a Bachelor's or Master's degree in a relevant field.
• Experience with DNA extraction and sequencing techniques is required.
• Candidates should have demonstrated publication experience in peer-reviewed journals.

Responsibilities

• Develop models to predict carbon exchange between microorganisms and ecosystems.
• Conduct environmental sampling and molecular method development.
• Collaborate with government scientists and support policy influence.

Skills

Mathematical modelling

Microbial ecology

Molecular biology techniques

Bioinformatics

Education

Bachelor's degree or equivalent

Master's in mathematical biology or related

Job description

Organisation/Company Trent University Research Field Biological sciences » Biology Environmental science » Ecology Environmental science » Global change Researcher Profile First Stage Researcher (R1) Positions PhD Positions Country Canada Application Deadline 31 Jan 2026 - 23:59 (America/Yakutat) Type of Contract Temporary Job Status Full-time Hours Per Week 35 Offer Starting Date 8 Sep 2026 Is the job funded through the EU Research Framework Programme? Not funded by a EU programme Is the Job related to staff position within a Research Infrastructure? No

Offer Description

The Ecosystems and Global Change Group( www.ecosystemchange.com ) at Trent University jointly led by Prof Andrew Tanentzap (Canada Research Chair in Climate Change and Northern Ecosystems) and Dr Erik Emilson (Research Scientist, Canadian Forest Service sector of Natural Resources Canada, https://glfc-wet.github.io ) is recruiting up to 3 funded positions for Autumn 2026 at the intersect of ecosystem ecology, microbiology, and computational modelling.

What we can offer: Our research training environment features some of the most advanced environmental research infrastructure in Canada, including access to a Fourier transform – ion cyclotron resonance mass spectrometer, a long-read and single-cell sequencing facility, radioisotope and stable isotope labs, and eddy covariance systems, with extensive support for field research (ATVs, snowmobiles, autonomous surface vessel). As our team partners with government scientists, you will have a unique opportunity to influence environmental policy and make connections outside of academia to bolster your career.

All postgraduate students are guaranteed at least $28k/year, considerably more than minimum stipends at Trent. Peterborough is one of the most affordable and desirable places to live in Ontario, offering the best of urban (70 mins to Toronto) and rural living all under 30 minutes to the heart of the Kawarthas that boasts endless lakes and forests to explore. Our group supports flexible working arrangements and supports applicants from diverse backgrounds as we strive to build a more equitable, diverse, and inclusive workplace. International applicants will be supported in applying for a Study Permit.

We are currently looking for students to work in two main areas:

• 1) PhD in Modelling microbe-molecule interactions for climate change

  Human-driven land use change is one of the largest perturbations to the global carbon cycle, so is an essential lever to limit climate change. However, predictions of how land use impacts climate remain highly uncertain, precluding climate change mitigation and adaptation. A major shortcoming of state-of-the-art Earth system models used to predict climate change is that they assume: i) carbon exists in a handful of uniform pools and ii) microorganisms, which cause most carbon exchange between the atmosphere and both the land and oceans, interact identically with these pools.

  In this PhD, you will develop mathematical models to predict consumer-resource dynamics based on the interactions between microbial decomposers and their organic substrates. The models will be used to predict fluxes of greenhouse gases from natural ecosystems. Data will come from existing studies and lab-based experiments. As the successful candidate, you will hold a Masters in mathematical biology, microbial ecology, or a related field. You will have skills in process-based modelling and some experience with lab work and publishing in peer-reviewed journals.

• 2) Masters or PhD in Environmental microbial ecology and evolution

  Mobile genetic elements, including viruses, can have large impacts on the metabolism of their hosts in ways that ultimately alter biogeochemical cycles, but they remain mostly hidden from traditional sequencing approaches. A Masters project will develop molecular methods to improve the concentration and detection of mobile genetic elements in environmental samples with leading-edge single-cell encapsulation devices. A PhD will expand this research to exploit environmental archives (sediments, permafrost soils) and track what types of genes are being exchanged over evolutionary timescales that correspond with periods of large-scale climatic change.

  The successful candidate will have undertaken an undergraduate thesis project (for MSc applicants) or Masters (for PhD applicants) in microbiology, molecular ecology, or a related field. You will have experience with molecular biology techniques (DNA extraction, sequencing library preparation) and bioinformatics. PhD applicants will be expected to have demonstrated some evidence of publishing or being about to publish in peer-reviewed journals.

  We are also continuously interested in working with applicants motivated to develop their own research project in the areas described above and on our websites. Reach out with your ideas!

How to apply: Please email Andrew Tanentzap ([e-mail] ) with a CV and brief cover letter describing what you hope to get out of working with us, how your research interests are a good fit to our group, and how your past experiences make you suitable for this position. Positions will remain open until filled. Only those applicants that are short‑listed will be contacted. Applicants that are encouraged to enrol will be required to apply to Trent’s Environmental & Life Sciences (ENLS) Graduate Program ( https://www.trentu.ca/els/ ). The absolute deadline to apply to ENLS for Sept 2026 entry is the 1 Feb 2026. Therefore, early contact is required to ensure that you have enough time to prepare a competitive application.

Where to apply

E-mail [e-mail]

Requirements

Research Field Biological sciences Education Level Undergraduate

Research Field Environmental science Education Level Bachelor Degree or equivalent

Research Field Biological sciences » BiologyEnvironmental science » EcologyEnvironmental science » Global change Years of Research Experience 1 - 4