PhD Studentships in Boreal Forest Fire Regime, Peatland Wildfires, and Ecosystem Modelling (Canada, 2026) University of Calgary in Canada

Two fully funded PhD studentships are available at the University of Calgary, focusing on large-scale ecosystem modelling of boreal forest fire regimes and peatland wildfires in eastern Canada. The research is part of the Wildfire Resilient Futures Initiative, funded by Natural Resources Canada and led by the Ontario Forest Research Institute, with collaboration from Lund University, Sweden. The projects aim to understand the impacts of climate change on boreal forests and peatlands, including vegetation-fire-insect interactions, carbon cycling, and ecosystem resilience.

Students will develop and apply computer-based models to investigate wildfire dynamics, vegetation changes, and ecosystem responses to climate change. Research tasks include model development, data assembly and management, experimental design, and analysis and visualization of model outputs. The work is primarily desk-based but may include field visits in Ontario and opportunities to collaborate with international partners.

Applicants should have strong quantitative and data analysis skills, commitment to learning scientific programming (R, Python, C++, Fortran), and fluency in English. Preferred qualifications include a Master’s degree in a STEM field, research experience, coursework in ecology, climate science, or related fields, and skills in GIS and scientific programming. Collaborative skills, independence, and a strong research drive are valued.

The positions are based full-time at the University of Calgary, Alberta, Canada, with a minimum annual stipend of CAD $34,500 for three years, plus additional support for travel, conferences, and research expenses. The start date is flexible, ideally in the first half of 2026. Applications submitted by January 15, 2026, will receive full consideration. To apply, submit a single PDF with a research statement, CV, transcripts, and English test results (if applicable) via the provided link. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

Key research areas: boreal forest, wildfire, peatland, ecosystem modelling, climate change, vegetation modelling, carbon cycle, forest resilience, simulation modelling, data analysis.