MSc Student Opportunity: Effects of Pesticide Treatment for Hemlock Woolly Adelgid Invasions on Amphibians
The Riley Integrative Ecology Lab (RIEL) is recruiting a MSc student to study the direct and indirect effects of pesticides used to control an invasive insect, the Hemlock Woolly Adelgid (HWA), on amphibian populations. In Nova Scotia, HWA is causing significant hemlock decline and death throughout southwest Nova Scotia. Currently the only effective control strategy is the application of neonicotinoid insecticides. Yet, the impacts of these insecticides on the wildlife that also inhabitant hemlock forests are largely unknown. This research will ask questions like: Does commonly-used insecticides that are used to manage HWA impact amphibians, like salamanders? And how does hemlock decline impact amphibian populations? Are impacts at the population (i.e., abundance) and/or individual (i.e., body condition, etc.) scales?
Academic Environment: This position will be co-supervised by Dr. Julia Riley and Dr. Chris Edge (Natural Resources Canada). The student will be based at RIEL, which is a small, collaborative team of researchers at the undergraduate and graduate levels. Students are empowered to lead their research projects, are supported through advisor and peer mentorship, and are encouraged to engage in professional development and outreach activities. RIEL’s home is in the Department of Biology Mount Allison University (MtA), which is located in Sackville, New Brunswick at the heart of the Maritimes.
Funding: This position offers a minimum guaranteed stipend of $21,000/y. Additional details on MtA’s graduate program can be found on this website: https://mta.ca/current-students/graduate-studies Eligible students are expected to apply for external scholarships and research funding.
Qualifications:
- Have successfully completed a BSc in Biology, Ecology or a related field
- Have meaningful experience or interest in ecology, forestry, invasion science, and herpetology • Experience with research project management, like budgeting, animal ethics and permit application and reporting, and collaboration within a research team
- Possess strong verbal and written communication skills
- Experience with statistical analysis in R and reproducible scientific practices is a benefit
Starting Date of Degree: 1 January 2026
Starting Date for Fieldwork: April/May 2026
Application Instructions: Email Dr. Riley (jriley@mta.ca) and Dr. Edge (christopher.edge@NRCan RNCan.gc.ca) using the subject line “HWA: MSc Application” and include: 1) A cover letter that outlines your research interests and experience and how they align with the project, as well as provides 2 references that can speak to your expertise; 2) Curriculum vitae; 3) Unofficial transcripts; and 4) A sample of your writing, if available.
Review of all applications will begin on 1 May 2025 and will continue until the position is filled. Only applicants invited for an interview will be contacted. All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply, but preference will be given to Canadian citizens and permanent residents. Also, as our research group aims to cultivate diversity in STEM, we welcome and encourage applications from women, Indigenous, Black, LGBTQ+, and other under-represented persons.