PH.D. POSITION: ECOLOGICAL FORESTRY AND FOREST RESOURCE ANALYSIS - UNIVERSITY OF NEW BRUNSWICK, FACULTY OF FORESTRY AND ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT

Program Summary 

Clearcutting has been the dominant forest harvesting practice in Nova Scotia, resulting in young, regenerating, even-aged stands across much of the province. As of June 2022, Nova Scotia has formally transitioned to an ecological forestry model that uses uneven-aged (UA) management approaches in some forest types (Nova Scotia Guide for the Ecological Matrix). The province has been praised for moving to a model that may be more ecologically appropriate for the Wabanaki (Acadian) forest, however, consequences for the forest industry and for biodiversity conservation are unknown. 

Now accepting applications from qualified candidates for a 4-year fully funded Ph.D. position which will focus on how the implementation of ecological forestry will change the way we manage our forest resource road networks; more specifically, how will these changes impact 1) forest resource economics; 2) terrestrial biodiversity and connectivity; and 3) other potential costs and benefits of changes in road network utilization (e.g., recreational uses, fire suppression etc). 

This is a joint project between the University of New Brunswick and Dalhousie University and the student will become part of the Ecological Forestry Research Initiative (EFRI), a dynamic partnership across institutions. They will have opportunities to participate in conferences, training, and networking with the larger EFRI team, and participate in research direction steering commitees. 

The student will be based at the Forest Management Laboratory at the University of New Brunswick and will be supervised by Dr Anthony Taylor, Associate Professor of Forest Management.

Program Details 

The program will begin in Spring 2024 and consist of up to four years of support, with a minimum of $35,000 annual stipend. The Ph.D. stipend may be increased if the candidate is successful in securing scholarships. The successful candidate will be encouraged to submit an application to the CGS-D program (due Dec 1) and expected to apply for entrance scholarships at UNB (December-January). Pay may also be augmented by teaching assistantships depending on availability. 

Qualified candidates should have a Master’s degree or strong research experience in either environmental science, forestry, biology, or an allied discipline. Some previous experience or a strong interest in forest modelling and management planning would be an asset. 

The process for admission to graduate studies in the Faculty of Forestry and Environmental Management is described at htps://www.unb.ca/fredericton/forestry/graduate-programs.

Diversity, equity, and, inclusion 

UNB is commited to creating an inclusive environment in which to study and work. We understand that seeing and celebrating our diversity is a key pathway to achieving that goal. This website is an ongoing project to catalogue various EDI-related efforts happening in our community and offers ways to engage with this work. 

How to apply 

If you are interested in this position please send your CV and a one-page cover leter detailing your past research experience and why you are interested in the project to Dr. Anthony Taylor (anthony.taylor@unb.ca).

We anticipate a starting date during the Spring of 2024. Application review will begin February 1, 2024, and the position will remain open until filled.