Opportunities
PhD Position in Population Genetics and Outbreak Dynamics
The James Lab at the Institute of Forestry and Conservation, University of Toronto, is seeking a motivated, independent, and quantitatively inclined PhD student to investigate the population genetic dynamics of cyclic forest insect outbreaks.
Population outbreaks are among the most striking phenomena in ecology, yet many questions remain regarding how fluctuations in abundance, dispersal, connectivity, and synchrony influence patterns of genetic diversity through space and time. The successful candidate will investigate these relationships using one of the largest spatial and temporal genomic datasets available for a forest insect, comprising more than 6,000 spruce budworm (Choristoneura fumiferana) individuals collected across eastern Canada over a 16-year period. The project will examine how genetic diversity, connectivity, and population structure change throughout the course of the current outbreak.
The project will also involve developing and applying complementary demo-genetic simulation models to investigate how population processes such as dispersal, population growth, bottlenecks, outbreak synchrony, and local extinction are expected to influence genetic variation under alternative outbreak scenarios. This project sits at the intersection of population ecology, population genetics, and simulation, and is well suited to students interested in combining large genomic datasets with computational approaches to better understand ecological and evolutionary processes.
The student will join a collaborative research team that includes university researchers, federal and provincial government scientists, postdoctoral fellows, and graduate students working on questions related to forest ecology, population genetics, insect outbreaks, and quantitative ecology.
Applicants should possess:
An MSc degree in ecology, evolutionary biology, forestry, genetics, bioinformatics, statistics, computer science, or a related discipline
Strong quantitative and analytical skills
Well developed programming and statistical skills (R, Python)
Excellent written and oral communication skills
A demonstrated interest in population genetics, evolutionary ecology, spatial ecology, or forest disturbances
The following qualifications would be considered assets:
Experience with genomic or population genetic data (e.g., RADseq, SNP datasets, landscape genetics)
Familiarity with Linux, high-performance computing, or bioinformatics workflows
Experience with multivariate statistics, simulation modelling, or spatial analysis (GIS)
Funding is available for four years and includes support for conference travel, professional development, and collaborative research activities with university and government partners across Canada. The anticipated start date is January 2028, although earlier or later start dates may be considered for exceptional candidates.
To apply, please send:
a brief letter describing your research interests and relevant experience,
your curriculum vitae,
unofficial transcripts, and
the names and contact information of three academic references
to:
Dr. Patrick James
Institute of Forestry and Conservation University of Toronto
The University of Toronto is strongly committed to diversity within its community and especially welcomes applications from Indigenous Peoples, Black and racialized persons, women, persons with disabilities, and people of diverse sexual and gender identities. All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply.