The Integrative Wildlife Conservation lab at Trent University, in collaboration with the Lithops Research and Conservation Foundation, is offering a unique PhD project on the eco-evolutionary and conservation dynamics of Lithops spp., a genus of small succulent plants occurring across desert landscapes in southern Africa. In the wild, Lithops are susceptible to human collection, habitat loss and climate change, and currently there are important knowledge gaps related to Lithops phylogeny and ecology that are impacting rigorous conservation status assessment and protection. The project will involve several critical facets, first consisting of Lithops genome sequencing to support re-assessment of genus phylogeny and evolutionary linkages. Once species/subspecies status is better established, the project may undertake a variety of directions involving fieldwork, including: 1) Using hyperspectral imaging to assess plant health and composition in relation to local environmental conditions; 2) Remote sensing to determine habitat suitability needs and potential for recolonization; 3) Population and meta-population viability analysis to assess scenarios for long-term persistence; and 4) Species distribution modeling to better understand potential responses of populations to climate change. The model for fieldwork will be L. schwantesii, which is among the most widespread and best-studied Lithops species in Namibia. The PhD student will have the opportunity to develop specific research questions within the scope of the larger project.

Successful candidates MUST have an MSc in Ecology, Conservation Biology, or related field, demonstrated evidence of peer-reviewed publications, strong lab and field skills, and an interest in working collaboratively within a large and diverse research group. Additional desirable qualifications include DNA sequencing, bioinformatics, remote sensing and GIS analysis, and working in remote field conditions. 

To apply, send a cover letter, curriculum vitae, unofficial academic transcript, and contact information for 3 references to: Dennis Murray (dennismurray@trentu.ca).

For additional details, see www.dennismurray.ca and www.lithopsfoundation.com.

The position will be filled as soon as a suitable candidate is found.

A postdoctoral position is available immediately in the Department of Biology at the University of Saskatchewan. We are looking for a highly motivated candidate to work on the molecular biology of the plant-pathogen (Plasmodiophora brassicae) interaction resulting in clubroot disease in canola. The current project will utilize various molecular, cellular, and biochemical techniques to Investigate molecular and cellular mechanisms of clubroot resistance/ susceptibility in Arabidopsis and to identify molecular targets associated with host resistance/susceptibility. The candidate will use acquired knowledge to explore novel strategies for creating resistant canola varieties, such us CRISPR/Cas9 gene editing. The successful candidate will have a background in plant pathology and an excellent knowledge of molecular biology and functional genomics for gene function validation as well as a basic understanding of CRISPR/Cas9 genome editing. Excellent organizational, written/verbal communication skills and ability to work in a multicultural environment are essential.

The Department of Biology, University of Saskatchewan is located in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada. The Department of Biology is located in a modern collaborative research building with state-of-the-art laboratory and greenhouse facilities, and access to both Confocal and Electron Microscopy. Saskatoon is home to a dynamic plant biology research community. In addition to research groups in Biology and the College of Agriculture and Bioresources the U of S campus is home to the Global Institute of Food Security, AAFC and NRC-Saskatoon. The position is available immediately. Screening of applications will continue until the position is filled. Applications, including cover letter, cv, transcript and the names and contact for three references can be submitted to yangdou.wei@usask.ca with the subject line, “PDF opportunity.” The University of Saskatchewan is an equal opportunity, affirmative action employer and actively seeks diversity among its employees.

A graduate student position is available immediately in the in the laboratory of Dr. Gale Bozzo. The Bozzo lab (https://www.plant.uoguelph.ca/gbozzo) in the Department of Plant Agriculture at the University of Guelph is seeking a highly motivated individual to join our lab as a graduate student. This project is available to those interested in MSc or PhD studies.

Our team is focused on biochemical, biotechnological and plant production strategies aimed at altering the content of specialized metabolites (i.e., flavonols) in plants as a strategy to improve resistance to environmental stresses that are exacerbated by climate change. The incumbent student will investigate the biochemical and molecular determinants of flavonol degradation in both model plant organisms and economically relevant agricultural crops. Students will receive training in biochemistry, comparative genomics, single molecule discovery, protein purification, analytical chemistry (e.g., HPLC), and related areas. The position is open to Canadian citizens or permanent residents with a BSc or MSc in biology, biochemistry, molecular biology, plant sciences or a related field.

Applicants having prior laboratory experience and strong knowledge transfer skills are encouraged to apply. The incumbent student will be offered a full stipend to cover tuition and living expenses that are commensurate with graduate study at the U of G. The preferred starting date is January 2023, but strong candidates who expect to be available in May or September 2023 are encouraged to apply

Interested applicants should send the following to Dr. Gale Bozzo (gbozzo@uoguelph.ca):

1)    a CV

2)    unofficial academic transcripts

3)    a cover letter (one page maximum) outlining why you are you are interested in the abovementioned project, and your career goals

4)    names and contact information for at least 2 referees