PhD opportunity studying Williamson’s Sapsucker Ecology in British Columbia, Canada

Drs. Elizabeth Gow and Emily Choy are seeking a PhD student to join their research teams at the McMaster University, and Environment and Climate Change Canada beginning January 2024.

We are a supportive research group that fosters an equitable and inclusive environment for all members to have equal opportunities to grow, develop, and succeed. We strongly encourage applications from members of traditionally under-represented groups.

 Project description: Working closely with the Canadian Wildlife Service, NGOs partners, and the forestry sector, the student will study Williamson’s Sapsucker life history, behaviour, and habitat needs and use in southern British Columbia.

Williamson’s Sapsuckers are a species at risk in Canada, and the main goal of this PhD is to assess best management practices for this species. Within this context, the student will have the opportunity to create a project suited to their interests. The results of this research have the potential to help inform management practices and policies for this habitat sensitive species.

Necessary qualifications: Completion of a BSc and MSc in Biology, Ecology, Environmental Science, Wildlife Management, or other relevant field. Driver’s licence. Must be eligible for a Mitacs Accelerate Fellowship https://www.mitacs.ca/en/programs/accelerate/fellowship, and meet the criteria for admission to graduate studies in the Department of Biology at McMaster University: https://biology.mcmaster.ca/graduate/prospective-students/admissions/  

Willingness to work and stay in the remote locations often off-grid in British Columbia. Ability and willingness to hike long distances often carrying equipment up and down often hilly terrain through variable vegetation.

Beneficial qualifications: Experience using GIS and R, as well as fieldwork in ecology would be an asset. Proficient BC bird identification skills by sight and sound. The student will be working with and leading large field crews so the ability to manage, schedule and communicate with a diversity of people is highly beneficial.

Location: The student will be based at McMaster University when not in the field. Fieldwork occurs from mid-April to end of August in Penticton, Merritt, south Okanagan Valley, and the Boundary Region of British Columbia, Canada. The student will be co-supervised by Dr. Elizabeth Gow (www.elizabethgow.com) and Dr. Emily Choy (https://emilyschoy.wixsite.com/home).

Timeline: The ideal candidate would start 1 Jan, 2024 or potentially 1 May 2024. Please submit your unofficial transcript, CV, cover letter, a 1-page personal statement describing your accomplishments, challenges, and background, and contact information for three references to Elizabeth.gow2@ec.gc.ca and choye1@mcmaster.ca by 22 September 2023. Preference will be given to Canadian citizens or permanent residents, but all applicants that meet the necessary qualifications are encouraged to apply.

PhD ad WISA Aug 2023.pdf