The University of Calgary is offering two fully funded PhD positions in the Department of Earth, Energy, and Environment, focusing on large-scale ecosystem modeling of the boreal forests of eastern Canada. The research group, led by Professor Jed O. Kaplan, Canada Research Chair in Global System Modeling, is seeking motivated graduate students to join multidisciplinary projects funded by Natural Resources Canada’s Wildfire Resilient Futures Initiative and led in collaboration with the Ontario Forest Research Institute.

The first PhD project centers on modeling the boreal forest fire regime and ecosystem resilience under climate change, with a particular focus on the interactions between vegetation, insect pathogens, and wildfire dynamics. The second project investigates peatland wildfires in the boreal forest, exploring how climate warming affects peatland fire regimes, carbon release, and risks to communities. Both projects involve the development and application of advanced computer simulation models, data assembly and management, experimental design, and the analysis and visualization of model outputs. The research will be primarily desk-based but may include field visits in Ontario and opportunities to collaborate with international partners, such as Lund University in Sweden.

Applicants should have a strong background in computer simulation and programming (R, Python, C++, Fortran, etc.), quantitative and data analysis skills, and fluency in English. Preferred qualifications include a Master’s degree in a STEM field or significant research experience, coursework in ecology, climate science, global change biology, geography, and related fields, as well as skills in scientific programming and GIS. The ability to work both independently and collaboratively is highly valued.

These positions are fully funded, offering a minimum annual stipend of CAD $34,500 for three years, with potential for additional scholarships and support for travel, conferences, and research expenses. The positions require full-time, in-person presence at the University of Calgary’s main campus in Calgary, Alberta, Canada, with possible secondments to project partners elsewhere in Canada and Sweden. The anticipated start date is as early as March 1, 2026, subject to arrangement with the selected candidates.

To apply, candidates should submit a single PDF file containing a one-page statement of research interests and experience, a short CV, university transcripts, and English language test results (if applicable) via the provided application link. Applications submitted by January 15, 2026 will receive full consideration. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

Key research areas include boreal forest, wildfire, ecosystem modeling, climate change, peatland, forest resilience, computer simulation, ecology, and data analysis. This is an excellent opportunity for students interested in environmental science, earth science, biology, computer science, and geography to contribute to impactful research on climate change and ecosystem resilience in Canada’s boreal forests.