PhD Position in Forest Management and Post-Fire Regeneration in Québec's Boreal Forests Université du Québec en Abitibi-Témiscamingue in Canada

This PhD position focuses on understanding how forest management practices shape post-fire regeneration in Québec's boreal forests. The research will investigate the legacy of pre-fire silvicultural treatments and their influence on seedling establishment, sapling growth, understory development, and microsite availability after wildfire. The project centers on emblematic boreal species such as black spruce and jack pine, combining field ecology with ecophysiology.

Fieldwork will be conducted in Nord-du-Québec, utilizing a network of recently burned plots to monitor regeneration and abiotic conditions over time. The student will develop skills in field ecology, plant physiology, statistical modeling, and integrative forest science. The research environment is collaborative and supportive, with supervision from specialists in functional ecology, forest modeling, silviculture, and ecophysiology at the Université du Québec en Abitibi-Témiscamingue (UQAT).

The position is fully funded with a scholarship of 24,000 CAD per year, and international students may receive additional support for tuition fees. Candidates should have a Master's degree in a relevant field, strong interest in plant ecology and physiology, and enjoy both fieldwork and data analysis. Applications from diverse and underrepresented backgrounds are encouraged. The start date is flexible, with options for Summer or Fall 2026. To apply, send a CV, cover letter, unofficial transcripts, and referee contacts to the supervisors.