<div dir="ltr">Dear all, <br><div class="gmail_quote"><div dir="ltr"><p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US">We are looking for a highly motivated individual
for a PhD position focusing on changes in plant functional traits along a
latitudinal climate and permafrost gradient in the Canadian boreal zone. The
position is located in the Département de géographie at Université de Montréal or
in the Department of Biology at Wilfrid Laurier University, and could begin as
early as<u> January 2017</u>. </span><span lang="EN-US"> Funding includes a stipend for the graduate
student, and </span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:11pt">travel and
field </span><span lang="EN-US">expenses</span><span lang="EN-US">. Students will be expected to apply for
external funding sources.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US">The project focuses on a better understanding of
plant trait variability and plasticity under the influence of rapidly changing
environmental conditions across boreal landscapes. The study area consists of a
latitudinal permafrost gradient (from no permafrost, over isolated, sporadic
and discontinuous, to continuous permafrost) spanning from the southern- to the
northern edge of the boreal forest ecozone in northwestern Canada, and includes
research sites in Saskatchewan, British Columbia, and Northwest Territories. Permafrost
along the southern edge of its distribution undergoes dramatic changes in
hydrological regimes due to rapid permafrost thaw. These changes lead to
diverging plant hydraulic strategies; trees located in the well-drained
permafrost peat plateaus undergo water stress, while trees located on the plateau
edges reduce/cease their functioning due to waterlogging in response to surface
subsidence as a result of permafrost thaw. The project aims to expand on ongoing
research along this gradient with particular focus on across- and within site
variability of plant hydraulic traits. More specifically, the PhD candidate
will conduct a suite of field measurements geared towards a better
understanding of plant water fluxes and water use. This includes, but it is not
limited to, sap flux density measurements, stem water potential measurements, tree
stem dynamics measurements, foliar functional trait measurement, and isotope
analyses).</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US">Ideal applicant for the PhD position should have
</span></p>
<p><span lang="EN-US">1)<span style="font-size:7pt;font-family:'Times New Roman'">
</span></span><span lang="EN-US">a strong quantitative and technical
background obtained through a Master’s or Diploma degree in ecology, biogeosciences,
environmental science, etc.;</span></p>
<p><span lang="EN-US">2)<span style="font-size:7pt;font-family:'Times New Roman'">
</span></span><span lang="EN-US">previous exposure to some aspects of the
project (e.g., high latitude ecosystems/ecohydrology /biogeochemistry);</span></p>
<p><span lang="EN-US">3)<span style="font-size:7pt;font-family:'Times New Roman'">
</span></span><span lang="EN-US">(some) wilderness outdoor experience as
the project requires frequent traveling to and extended stays at the sites;</span></p>
<p><span lang="EN-US">4)<span style="font-size:7pt;font-family:'Times New Roman'">
</span></span><span lang="EN-US">the ability to work independently and
effectively as part of a team setting consisting of researchers from various Canadian
universities (Wilfrid Laurier University, Université de Montrèal, McGill
University, University of Guelph);</span></p>
<p><span lang="EN-US">5)<span style="font-size:7pt;font-family:'Times New Roman'">
</span></span><span lang="EN-US">proficiency in English (the Université
de Montréal is a francophone research university, so knowledge of French is of
great advantage but not mandatory).</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US">Please email questions regarding the PhD
position/admission process and application packages consisting of cover letter,
curriculum vitae, an English writing sample (ideally a publication), copies of
academic credentials, and names and contact information of at least two referees
to: </span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US"><br></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US">jbaltzer *at* <a href="http://wlu.ca" target="_blank">wlu.ca</a></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US">oliver.sonnentag *at* <a href="http://umontreal.ca" target="_blank">umontreal.ca</a></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US">christoforos.pappas *at* <a href="http://umontreal.ca" target="_blank">umontreal.ca</a></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US"><br></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US">The review of applications will commence
immediately until the position is filled.</span></p>
</div>
</div><br></div>