Jean-Philippe Lessard

The Community Ecology and Biogeography Lab at Concordia University in Montreal, Canada, led by Professor Jean-Philippe Lessard, is inviting applications for a PhD position focused on community ecology and biogeography. The research group investigates the ecological and evolutionary determinants of species range limits and dynamics, especially in the context of environmental changes. Possible research topics include the assembly rules of ecological networks such as plant-pollinator, plant-microbial, and host-parasite networks, as well as the role of ants and other soil arthropods in nutrient cycling and carbon storage. This opportunity is ideal for candidates interested in biodiversity, climate change, entomology, and the functioning of ecological communities. The lab offers a collaborative environment for research on pressing ecological questions, with access to resources and expertise in ecology, biogeography, and related fields. Applicants should have a strong background in biology, ecology, or environmental science, and an interest in community ecology and biogeography. Experience with ecological networks, entomology, or soil science is considered an asset. Funding details are not specified in the announcement. Interested candidates are encouraged to visit the provided link for further information and application instructions. The position is based at Concordia University, a leading Canadian institution known for its research in environmental science and biology.

Concordia University in Montreal, Canada, is offering a funded PhD position in Community Ecology and Biogeography under the supervision of Professor Jean-Philippe Lessard. The research focuses on the ecological and evolutionary determinants of range limits, the assembly of ecological networks, and the role of soil arthropods in carbon storage. This opportunity is ideal for students interested in biodiversity, climate change, and ecosystem dynamics. The successful candidate will join a vibrant research group and contribute to cutting-edge studies on how ecological communities are structured and how soil organisms impact carbon cycling. The position is funded, though specific financial details are not provided. Applicants should have a strong background in ecology, evolutionary biology, or related disciplines, and experience with ecological networks, biogeography, or soil arthropods is preferred. To apply, candidates are encouraged to contact Professor Jean-Philippe Lessard and review the research topics. More information may be available through the provided social media links. This position offers an excellent opportunity to advance research skills in community ecology and biogeography at a leading Canadian institution.

The Community Ecology & Biogeography Lab at Concordia University, Montreal, is offering a funded PhD position focused on the ecological and evolutionary determinants of biological diversity. The lab investigates the maintenance and distribution of biodiversity, both in contemporary and historical contexts, with a particular interest in predicting how biodiversity will respond to global changes and understanding the impact of human-driven community reassembly on ecosystem processes. Research combines theoretical and empirical approaches, with a strong emphasis on field-based projects involving insects such as ants, dragonflies, and bees, and their roles in ecosystem functioning. Key research areas include community ecology, biogeography, biodiversity, ecological networks, global change biology, species range dynamics, climate change, ecological modeling, spatial analysis, macroecology, insect ecology, soil arthropods, nutrient cycling, carbon storage, plant–pollinator networks, host–parasite networks, plant–microbial networks, evolutionary ecology, field ecology, quantitative ecology, and the use of R programming and large ecological datasets. Current research questions address the ecological and evolutionary determinants of species range limits and dynamics in the context of environmental changes, the assembly rules of ecological networks, and the role of ants and other soil arthropods in nutrient cycling and carbon storage. The position is supervised by Professor Jean-Philippe Lessard and is based in the Department of Biology. The successful candidate will receive a stipend and have opportunities for teaching and research assistantships. The lab values diversity and inclusivity, welcoming applicants from the global south, LGBTQ+ community, and other underrepresented groups. Concordia University is located in the vibrant and multicultural city of Montreal, Canada. Applicants should possess a strong academic background in ecology, biogeography, or evolutionary biology, proficiency in R or another scientific programming language, experience with large datasets and quantitative analysis, and ideally fieldwork experience in ecological or biodiversity studies. Additional assets include knowledge of ecological modeling, spatial analysis (GIS), mathematics applicable to quantitative ecology, understanding of insect physiology or biochemistry, previous scientific publishing experience, and motivation to secure external funding. To apply, candidates should compile a single PDF including a cover letter, academic CV, unofficial transcripts, names and contact information of two referees, publications, and any other relevant documents. This should be sent to [email protected] with the subject line 'Community Ecology_Your name' by January 8, 2026. For further inquiries, contact Alisa Makusheva at the same email address.