MSc positions in Arctic eider seaduck distribution for Inuit Food Security

We are seeking two MSc students to work with our interdisciplinary team to explore interactions between Inuit harvesters, seabirds, and climate in Kinngait, Nunavut, from a blended ecological and social perspective. Food security is a significant socio-economic challenge in Inuit communities yet central to Inuit culture and wellbeing. Seabirds, such as eider ducks, are harvested widely by coastal Inuit communities for meat, eggs and feather down. However, climate warming is greatest in the Arctic and impacting the accessibility of game to Inuit harvesters. Our goal is to work with the Kinngait community to identify potential approaches to maintain eider resources in face of costs, risks, and benefits while accounting for the growing uncertainties created by climate change. In particular, the first MSc position would conduct eider-colony surveys and the second MSc student will gather Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit (IQ) to explore how climate change and polar bears are affecting eider abundance and distribution.

Potential Research Questions

·       What are the long-term eider abundance trends and causes of redistribution in Hudson Strait?

·       Where are eiders projected to be under increasing climate change and polar-bear predation?

·       How have eider-bear interactions changed over time?

This is a great opportunity to work with and learn from researchers at the University of Windsor, Environment and Climate Change Canada and Carleton University. The students will work with local Inuit project partners, as well as with territorial and federal organizations involved in seabird research and management. The student will be exposed to interdisciplinary approaches including quantitative and qualitative research and will actively engage in community-based research activities, which will include: interviews, and boat-based seabird surveys.

Experience Required

We are seeking self-motivated candidates with interpersonal skills to work in partnership with Nunavut communities. Interested applicant should have an undergraduate degree in biology, environmental sciences or studies, Indigenous studies, natural resource management, or related field. Students with keen interest in interdisciplinary research/methods and both qualitative and quantitative research are encouraged to apply. Applicants must be willing to travel and spend time in northern communities. Applicants must have strong communication and interpersonal skills, be highly organized, and the ability to manage multiple tasks. Candidates must be willing and committed to co-developing projects with local and regional partners, supporting Inuit research priorities, and enhancing Inuit self-determination in research. Above all, we are seeking applicants who are kind, and desire to help make the world a better place for nature and people.

To Apply

1. Maximum one-page cover letter/statement of interest describing your fit and interest in this position.

2. CV demonstrating relevant experience and background.

3. Unofficial transcript.

4. Names/contact information for two references.

All documents must be submitted to semeniuk@uwindsor.ca. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact Christina. Potential start date: Fall 2024 (with Summer 2024 fieldwork). Note that we are only accepting Canadian students at this time.

The MSc students would be part of the Integrative Biology Department, University of Windsor. Students would be co-supervised by Grant Gilchrist and Dominique Henri (Environment and Climate Change Canada). Place of residence during the program is flexible and can be discussed. We strongly encourage applications from Nunavut residents. Applications are also welcome from other students with relevant interests and experience in northern research.

Position will remain open until March 31, 2024.