PhD/MSc openings in fire retardant impacts and cover crops in northern ecosystems and agriculture Wilfrid Laurier University in Canada

Wilfrid Laurier University’s Forest Ecology Research Group is advertising two funded graduate openings under the SSHRC Sustainable Agriculture Research Initiative / Future Harvest Partnership. The opportunities are based in Waterloo, Ontario or the Northwest Territories, with fieldwork expected in the North for about 4–5 months.

Graduate Program 1 (PhD or MSc) focuses on evaluating the retention of fire retardant in northern ecosystems and its impacts on terrestrial and aquatic communities. The project addresses concerns about food safety after the 2023 wildfire season in the Northwest Territories. Research tasks include mapping fire retardant application using fire management records and Landsat remote sensing, assessing persistence on the landscape, and quantifying spectral responses of lakes to detect productivity changes and algal blooms.

Graduate Program 2 (PhD or MSc) focuses on cover crops, soil health, soil carbon, and sustainable agriculture in the southern Northwest Territories. This project aims to improve yield, reduce reliance on imported inputs, and strengthen northern food security through NWT-specific research on cover crop mixtures, timing, soil biology, and crop productivity.

The research group works on forest ecology, boreal wildfire ecology, boreal forest-tundra systems, changing northern water resources, and climate-resilient food systems. The group is led by Professor Jennifer Baltzer at Wilfrid Laurier University. The post says applications will be reviewed starting in November and will continue on a rolling basis until all positions are filled.

Interested applicants should prepare a CV and cover letter describing research interests and experience, and follow the full posting for qualifications and contact information.