Carleton University
We have funding for four graduate students at Carleton University, in the Geomatics and Landscape Ecology Research Laboratory (GLEL). We are looking for motivated, curious, kind, and collegial students to lead independent research projects. The position descriptions are available at https://www.rivaecologylab.com/contact and briefly described below. Note that, due to funding constraints, these positions are open for domestic students (i.e., Canadian citizens, permanent residents, and other groups exempt from international tuitions at Carleton).
1) PhD: Population dynamics in fragmented landscapes: We are looking for a student interested in better understanding population dynamics and the demography of species inhabiting fragmented landscapes. These include, e.g., mortality in human-dominated landscapes, changes in reproduction rates with different landscape characteristics, and metapopulation and metacommunity dynamics.
2) PhD: Biodiversity scaling and area-based conservation in human-dominated landscapes: We are looking for a student interested in better understanding how biodiversity change and the usefulness of conservation actions vary depending on the spatial scales at which we study an ecosystem. This includes the spatial scale at which area-based conservation actions (e.g., protected areas, habitat restoration) can be developed to maximize their effectiveness.
3) PhD: Global change and butterfly biodiversity: We are looking for a student interested in better understanding how butterfly biodiversity is changing with major drivers of global change, particularly climate change and land use change. The project can be developed in collaborations with external partners including the Montreal Insectarium, the European Butterfly Monitoring Schemes, and more broadly Dr. Riva’s international network of colleagues.
4) MSc or PhD: Global biodiversity modeling: We are looking for a student interested in mapping and assessing global biodiversity change pairing species distribution models and future climate change and land use scenarios. This includes the potential for identifying climate refugia, better understanding networks of species across the globe, and a diversity of macroecological assessments.
Students with strong quantitative skills (or an interest in developing such skills) are encouraged to apply. All projects will involve elements of data synthesis and analysis of “big” biodiversity data. Field activities can be developed to complement these analyses.
Research Environment
GLEL is a centre of excellence in landscape ecology, with strong collaborations with governmental and non-governmental organizations. Students will join a newly established laboratory led by Dr. Federico Riva within GLEL. Dr. Riva’s research focuses on landscape ecology, biodiversity conservation, and spatial scaling, and students will be encouraged to explore research questions at the intersection of these themes. Projects will be co-developed with the supervisory team, including the identification of relevant research questions and quantitative approaches to address them. Field work activities for data collections are possible, but not mandatory.
Essential Skills and Qualifications
- MSc degree in ecology, conservation science, data science, geography, applied statistics, mathematics, or a related field
- Strong research, leadership, and communication skills
- Canadian citizenship (current funding is sufficient only for domestic students)
We might consider applicants for MSc positions, instead of PhD positions. Note that a fast-track option from BSc to PhD is possible, but requires careful planning and a transition from MSc to PhD during the first year.
Desirable Skills
- Statistical modelling and quantitative skills
- Familiarity with GIS tools and spatial analyses
- Familiarity with software R and R Studio
Application Details
Applicants should submit the following materials by email to Dr. Federico Riva ([email protected]):
- Letter of interest summarizing research experience and interests
- Curriculum vitae
- Contact information for two references
- University transcripts (unofficial copies are acceptable)
Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the positions are filled. The positions are funded and can start as soon as January 2027, although the preferred starting dates are May and September 2027.