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However, warmer and drier climates put these ecosystems at risk, directly and through wildfire and other forms of disturbance. For forests, we seek to better understand the broad scale effects of vegetation and fire dynamics, we aim to conduct simulation modelling of forest disturbance dynamics and to evaluate the efficacy of management actions in minimizing wildfire risk. For peatlands, we seek to assess how the peatland fire regime changes with climate warming, exploring carbon release and risks to communities, bringing together aspects of wetland ecology, climate science, permafrost dynamics, and wildland fire.
These projects are funded through NRCan's Wildfire Resilient Futures Initiative and lead by the Ontario Forest Research Institute, part of the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources, and involves collaboration with researchers at Lund University, Sweden. As part of this project, the Department of Earth, Energy, and Environment at the University of Calgary is seeking motivated and skilled Ph.Research Focus for Forest Modeling Position
D. student will lead research on the development and application of a computer-based vegetation model to investigate vegetation-fire-insect interactions. Tasks will include improvements to model capabilities, data assembly and management, experimental design, and analysis and visualization of model outputs. The work will be desk-based but may include trips to project field sites in the boreal forests of Ontario.
Research Focus for Peatland Modeling Position
D. student will lead research on the development and application of a computer simulation model of peatland-wildfire dynamics. Tasks will include improvements to model capabilities, data assembly and management, analysis, experimental design, and analysis and visualization of model output. The work will be desk-based but may include trips to project field sites in the boreal forests of Ontario.
Commitment to learning computer simulation and programming in a high-level language (R, Python, C++, Fortran, etc.).
Strong quantitative and data analysis skills.
Fluency in English listening, reading, and writing.
A Master of Science in a STEM field or significant research experience leading to authorship on a publication.
Coursework in ecology, climate science, global change biology, geography and related fields.
Skills in scientific computer programming and GIS.
These positions require full-time, in-person presence at the University of Calgary main campus, in Calgary, Alberta, Canada. Secondments with project partners elsewhere in Canada may be part of the work.
The starting date for this position can be as early as 1 January 2026 and will be subject to arrangement with the selected candidate.
This position includes a minimum annual stipend of CAD $34,500 that may be augmented with scholarships, and additional support for travel, conferences, and other research expenses. Applicants should submit the following materials as a single PDF file at this link:
Scans of your IELTS (Academic), TOEFL, or equivalent language test results, if English is not your mother tongue.