Join our team

Program:MSc en biologie végétale avec mémoire or PhD en biologie végétale (https://www.ulaval.ca/etudes/programmes/doctorat-en-biologie-vegetale)
Supervisors: Line Rochefort, Mélina Guêné-Nanchen, Juan Carlos Villarreal Aguilar
Location: Université Laval (Quebec City, QC)
Starting date: as soon as possible
Stipend: To be discussed according to the program chosen (supplements available)

Project description: The development of Quebec's northern regions is characterized by an intensification of infrastructure construction, requiring the borrowing of materials from gravel or sandpits. These can remain devoid of vegetation for decades due to hostile biophysical conditions. Interventions are therefore essential to assist the mandatory rehabilitation of these sandpits. Conventional methods are not adapted to northern realities. The aim of this project is to develop restoration methods that can be easily applied and adapted to the tundra of the Low Arctic. The proposed approach, called Rough and Loose, involves creating a succession of hollows and humps, combined with the addition of local debris. This project also aims to investigate the introduction of biological soil crusts (communities of lichens, bryophytes, cyanobacteria and other bacteria that bind to soil particles to form a crust), which largely dominate the northern landscape but are generally neglected in restoration. 

Opportunity: 

• Innovation: Contribute to the development of ecological restoration methodse.
• Skills: Enhance your expertise by developing advanced skills in sampling and analyzing ecological data.
• Network: Collaborate within a dynamic team of graduate students, researchers, professionals, and industry partners.
• Visibility: Participate in national and international conferences and explore various professional opportunities.

Qualifications:

• Interest in ecology research and ecological restoration.
• Bachelor’s (and master’s) degrees in biology, ecology, environmental science, or equivalent.
• Fieldwork experience and good tolerance to outdoor elements (heat, cold, rain, insects, etc.).
• Good level of English, basic knowledge of French, an asset.
• Valid driver's licence in Quebec.
• Ability to work in a team.

To apply, please send:

• CV
• Cover letter
• Trancripts
• Contact information for 3 references 

To candidature-gret@fsaa.ulaval.ca