PhD in Carbon & Biodiversity at UQAT, Canada Apply now

Applications are now invited for an exciting PhD Opportunity in Carbon and Biodiversity Research in Old-Growth Boreal Forests at the Université du Québec en Abitibi-Témiscamingue (UQAT), Canada. This fully funded doctoral project offers motivated students the chance to contribute to cutting-edge ecological research focused on forest biodiversity, carbon storage, and ecosystem recovery in Canada’s boreal forests.

The position is based at the Institut de recherche sur les forêts (IRF) in Rouyn-Noranda, Québec, and will be supervised by renowned forest ecologists Professor Maxence Martin and Professor Xavier Cavard. The selected candidate will receive a stipend of CAD $24,500 per year for four years and will join an interdisciplinary research environment dedicated to understanding the ecological importance of old-growth forests.

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About the Research Project

Old-growth boreal forests represent some of the most ecologically valuable ecosystems on Earth. These forests serve as critical reservoirs of biodiversity while storing significant amounts of carbon that help mitigate climate change.

Despite their importance, many old-growth forests have been altered by logging activities, making it essential to understand how biodiversity and carbon storage interact and how previously disturbed forests recover over time.

This PhD project seeks to investigate the relationship between carbon accumulation and biodiversity in old-growth boreal forests and evaluate the long-term recovery of forests that were harvested more than 50 years ago.

The research will contribute valuable knowledge for sustainable forest management, biodiversity conservation, and climate change mitigation strategies.

Research Objectives

The selected PhD student will work on several interconnected research themes, including:

Carbon and Biodiversity Relationships

The project will examine how biodiversity influences carbon storage in old-growth forest stands.

Special attention will be given to:

• Deadwood dynamics
• Carbon sequestration processes
• Structural complexity of forests
• Dendromicrohabitats and their ecological importance

Understanding these relationships is essential for improving conservation policies and forest restoration efforts.

Bryophyte Diversity Assessment

Bryophytes, including mosses and liverworts, play a critical role in forest ecosystems.

The PhD candidate will investigate:

• Species diversity
• Distribution patterns
• Ecological functions of bryophyte communities
• Relationships between bryophytes and forest structure

Soil Fungal Community Analysis

Soil fungi are vital components of healthy forest ecosystems.

Using modern molecular techniques and metabarcoding approaches, the student will study:

• Fungal biodiversity
• Ecological interactions
• Soil microbial communities
• Contributions of fungi to nutrient cycling and carbon dynamics

Recovery of Old Clearcuts

An important component of the project involves evaluating forest stands that were logged more than 50 years ago.

Research questions include:

• How closely do recovered forests resemble old-growth ecosystems?
• What biodiversity indicators persist after disturbance?
• How does carbon storage recover over time?
• Which ecological characteristics remain altered decades after logging?

The findings will provide valuable information for long-term forest restoration planning.

Host Institution

Université du Québec en Abitibi-Témiscamingue (UQAT)

UQAT is one of Canada’s leading institutions in environmental and forest sciences. The university is internationally recognized for its contributions to sustainable forest management, biodiversity conservation, and ecological research.

The successful applicant will be affiliated with the:

Institut de recherche sur les forêts (IRF)

Located in Rouyn-Noranda, Québec, the IRF is a leading forest research institute that brings together scientists working on:

• Forest ecology
• Biodiversity conservation
• Climate change adaptation
• Sustainable resource management
• Ecosystem restoration

Students benefit from advanced research facilities, interdisciplinary collaborations, and extensive field research opportunities throughout Canada’s boreal region.

Financial Support

The selected PhD candidate will receive:

Funding Package

• Annual stipend of CAD $24,500
• Funding duration: Four years
• Research support and mentorship
• Access to field and laboratory facilities
• Opportunities for scientific publications
• Conference participation opportunities

This funding package allows students to focus on their research while developing advanced scientific skills.

Supervision Team

Professor Maxence Martin

Professor Martin specializes in forest ecology, ecosystem functioning, and biodiversity conservation. His research focuses on understanding the ecological processes that maintain resilient forest ecosystems.

Professor Xavier Cavard

Professor Cavard is an expert in forest ecology, biodiversity dynamics, and ecosystem restoration. His work examines how environmental changes influence forest structure and ecological processes.

Together, the supervisory team offers outstanding mentorship and expertise in ecological research.

Ideal Candidate Profile

Applications are encouraged from highly motivated students with strong academic backgrounds and a passion for forest ecology.

Academic Requirements

Applicants should possess:

• A Master’s degree in Biology
• Forest Sciences
• Ecology
• Environmental Sciences
• Conservation Biology
• Related disciplines

Desired Skills

The ideal candidate should demonstrate:

• Strong interest in forest ecosystems
• Enthusiasm for biodiversity research
• Interest in climate change and carbon cycling
• Scientific curiosity
• Analytical thinking abilities
• Excellent teamwork skills
• Independence and initiative

Additional Assets

The following qualifications are considered advantageous:

• Experience in bryology
• Knowledge of molecular ecology
• Familiarity with DNA metabarcoding techniques
• Field research experience
• Statistical analysis skills
• Scientific writing experience

However, candidates with strong motivation and willingness to learn are encouraged to apply even if they do not possess all of these skills.

Why Apply?

This PhD position offers numerous benefits for aspiring researchers:

Cutting-Edge Research

Work on globally important topics including:

• Biodiversity conservation
• Carbon sequestration
• Forest restoration
• Climate change mitigation

Interdisciplinary Training

Develop expertise in:

• Forest ecology
• Molecular ecology
• Biodiversity assessment
• Ecological data analysis
• Scientific communication

Field Experience

Conduct research in some of Canada’s most fascinating boreal forest ecosystems.

Career Development

Gain valuable experience for future careers in:

• Academia
• Government agencies
• Environmental consulting
• Conservation organizations
• Research institutions

Application Process

Interested applicants should submit the following documents:

Required Documents

• Curriculum Vitae (CV)
• Cover Letter
• Academic Transcripts
• Contact Information for Two References

Applications should clearly highlight academic achievements, research experience, and motivation for pursuing this PhD opportunity.

Application Contacts

Applicants should send their application materials directly to:

📧 maxence.martin2@uqat.ca

📧 xavier.cavard2@uqat.ca

Start Date

The successful candidate may begin the PhD program in:

• Winter 2027
  OR
• Fall 2027

Flexible start dates allow students to plan their transition and research preparations effectively.

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Final Thoughts

This PhD opportunity at UQAT provides a unique chance to contribute to internationally significant research on biodiversity conservation, carbon storage, and ecosystem restoration in boreal forests. Students passionate about ecology, climate change, and sustainable forest management will find an exceptional research environment, expert supervision, and strong financial support.

If you aspire to advance scientific understanding of old-growth forests while building a rewarding research career, this fully funded PhD position in Canada could be the perfect opportunity for you.