PhD OR post-doc: Conservation genomics to support recovery of rare plants in Ontario

Note: we would be willing to consider a post-doc for the following position as well. 

The Lee-Yaw lab at the University of Ottawa is looking for a PhD student who is enthusiastic about conservation genomics and plants. This is a fully funded position that is co-supervised with Dr. Jenny McCune from the University of Lethbridge. 

Our goal is to establish new populations of rare and at-risk plants at the edge of their range in Ontario, Canada to support their recovery. As part of these efforts, we are using genomic data to understand the extent to which range-edge populations are genetically distinct and to assess levels of genetic diversity among potential source populations.

Apart from these questions, the student will have an opportunity to develop a thesis more generally exploring rarity, landscape genomics, genetic constraints on range limits, or other questions in ecology or conservation biology.  

 Eligibility: 

The successful applicant will ideally have an MSc involving molecular lab work. Previous experience working with plant DNA and genomic data is preferred. Molecular work and PhD program requirements are to be completed at the University of Ottawa. However, the student has the option to spend time in the McCune lab at the University of Lethbridge in Alberta. Fieldwork in southern Ontario is optional during the first summer but data collection will take place in the lab. This position is open to both domestic and international students, however priority will be given to Canadian citizens or residents. Black and Indigenous students, People of Colour, and members of the LGBTQ2+ are encouraged to apply. The University of Ottawa is a bilingual French-English institution and bilingual students are very welcome. 

Stipend support 

This position is primarily funded from an NSERC Alliance grant to J. McCune and supplemented by funding to both PIs. Minimum stipend support from TAships and research grants is $30,000 per year for four years (this is a starting point: additional top-up is possible contingent on scholarships and additional grant applications). Students are strongly encouraged to apply for external scholarships.  

 To apply: 

Send an email to jleeyaw<at>uottawa.ca. Include: 

  1. A statement clearly outlining your research interests, career goals, and how your previous experiences and training have prepared you for a PhD and relate to this project. 
  2. Your CV 
  3. Unofficial copies of your undergraduate and MSc (if applicable) transcripts  

We will review applications as they are received and until the position is filled. 

Start date 

Ideally: September 2024.