Job Description

Position summary

High latitude ecosystems of the Northern Hemisphere, such as boreal forests and peatlands, are among the fastest warming regions of the world and are major carbon sinks regulating earth's climate. However, warmer and drier climates put these ecosystems at risk, directly and through wildfire and other forms of disturbance. For forests, we seek to better understand the broad scale effects of vegetation and fire dynamics, we aim to conduct simulation modelling of forest disturbance dynamics and to evaluate the efficacy of management actions in minimizing wildfire risk. For peatlands, we seek to assess how the peatland fire regime changes with climate warming, exploring carbon release and risks to communities, bringing together aspects of wetland ecology, climate science, permafrost dynamics, and wildland fire.

These projects are funded through NRCan's Wildfire Resilient Futures Initiative and lead by the Ontario Forest Research Institute, part of the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources, and involves collaboration with researchers at Lund University, Sweden. As part of this project, the Department of Earth, Energy, and Environment at the University of Calgary is seeking motivated and skilled Ph.D. candidates to join our multidisciplinary research team ideally in the first half of 2026.

Research Focus for Forest Modeling Position

The Ph.D. student will lead research on the development and application of a computer-based vegetation model to investigate vegetation-fire-insect interactions. The study domain covers the boreal forests of eastern Canada from the Atlantic Ocean to the Canadian Prairies. Tasks will include improvements to model capabilities, data assembly and management, experimental design, and analysis and visualization of model outputs. The work will be desk-based but may include trips to project field sites in the boreal forests of Ontario.

Research Focus for Peatland Modeling Position

The Ph.D. student will lead research on the development and application of a computer simulation model of peatland-wildfire dynamics. The study domain covers forested and non-forested peatlands of eastern Canada. Tasks will include improvements to model capabilities, data assembly and management, analysis, experimental design, and analysis and visualization of model output. The work will be desk-based but may include trips to project field sites in the boreal forests of Ontario.

Minimum qualifications

• Commitment to learning computer simulation and programming in a high-level language (R, Python, C++, Fortran, etc.).
• Strong quantitative and data analysis skills.
• Fluency in English listening, reading, and writing.

Preferred qualifications

• A Master of Science in a STEM field or significant research experience leading to authorship on a publication.
• Coursework in ecology, climate science, global change biology, geography and related fields.
• Skills in scientific computer programming and GIS.
• Demonstrated experience of research work both independently and in a team.

Location and start date

These positions require full-time, in-person presence at the University of Calgary main campus, in Calgary, Alberta, Canada. Secondments with project partners elsewhere in Canada may be part of the work.

The starting date for this position can be as early as 1 January 2026 and will be subject to arrangement with the selected candidate.

Funding and support

This position includes a minimum annual stipend of CAD $34,500 that may be augmented with scholarships, and additional support for travel, conferences, and other research expenses. Support is for a period of 3 years, contingent on satisfactory progress and funding.

Application instructions

Applicants should submit the following materials as a single PDF file at this link:

• A one-page statement describing your research interests and experience, and career goals.
• A short CV that includes a list of your relevant research skills and background.
• Scans of your university transcript(s).
• Scans of your IELTS (Academic), TOEFL, or equivalent language test results, if English is not your mother tongue.

Assessment criteria and other qualifications

Consideration will be given to good collaborative skills, drive and independence, and how the applicant's experience and skills complement and strengthen ongoing research within the department, and how they stand to contribute to its future development.

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