PhD or MSc Position Foraging Risks and Opportunities and Urban Indigenous Food Sovereignty

Sustainable Research Management Lab, Department of Geography and Environment

Western University London, Ontario, Canada

Research Overview: Motivated graduate student (Master’s or PhD) needed for impactful research on environmental health and Indigenous food sovereignty. The candidate will collaborate with the Southwest Ontario Aboriginal Health Access Centre (SOAHAC) to investigate food security, traditional food systems, and environmental contamination risks. The larger project is led by Prof. Chantelle Richmond, and specific research questions and direction will be set in collaboration with community members. This position will likely allow the candidate to do one or many of the following:

• Assess environmental contamination risks in traditional food harvesting sites
• Collect primary soil, water, plant, and animal samples
• Develop spatial and temporal mapping of food resources

Funding Details:

• Approximately $23,000-33,000 annually funding via:
  • Teaching assistantship during semesters
  • Department graduate fellowship
  • Summer project funding

Application Specifics:

• Start Date: September 2025
• Expression of Interest Deadline: December 31st, 2024
• Full Application Deadline: January 31st, 2025

**Priority given to Indigenous students (First Nations, Métis, and Inuit), although global Indigenous peoples will also be considered

Candidate Requirements:

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in environmental science, biology, geography, public health, or related field
• Strong background in field sampling techniques
• Experience with environmental health research
• Commitment to Indigenous research methodologies
• Excellent communication skills

To Apply:

Send an email to Dr. Geneviève Metson at gmetson@uwo.ca with:

• Specific research interests related to the project
• Unofficial academic transcripts
• Comprehensive CV
• Writing sample demonstrating research capabilities