Impacts of biting insects on migratory caribou

Description

We are looking for a PhD student to join the Caribou Ungava research team (www.caribou-ungava.ca). Caribou Ungava is a large research program assessing the factors explaining the large variation in numbers of migratory caribou in the context of climate change. A scholarship of $21 000 to $25 000/year for 4 years is available for the project.

Biting insects (Culicidae, Simuliidae, Oestridae, and Tabanidae) modify the behavior of caribou. The student will quantify the impact of biting insects on caribou movements, habitat use (including refuges), activity budget, and aggregation using telemetry data and camera collars. Using AI, the student will process the videos recorded from the camera collars to quantify the abundance of the different groups of insects. Another goal is to assess the impact of global warming on the phenology of insect emergence and the intensity of harassment on caribou. The student will achieve this goal combining three approaches: performing field experiments on the summer range of caribou, modelling simulations, and merging scientific and traditional ecological knowledge.

The candidate will work with a team of scientists specializing on caribou ecology, including Valérie Fournier (Université Laval, co-director), Mathieu Leblond (Government of Canada), Joëlle Taillon (Quebec government), Vincent Brodeur (Quebec government), Guillaume Szor (Quebec government), and Steeve Côté (Université Laval, director). The position will be based out of Université Laval, but longer-term visits to collaborating labs are an option.

Research Field

- Animal ecology
- Behavioral ecology
- Spatial ecology
- Statistical modelling

Research Supervisor

Steeve Côté

Research Environment

Caribou Ungava, Department of Biology

Caribou Ungava is a large research program focused on the ecology of migratory caribou populations and their predators in Quebec-Labrador, in a context of climatic change and anthropogenic disturbances. In line with our two previous phases of research (2009-2014 and 2015-2022 respectively), we are undertaking a third phase of work (2023-2028) which aims at identifying the factors influencing variations in the abundance of the populations of the two major migratory caribou herds of northern Quebec and Labrador, and to assess the impacts of climate change and industrial activities on their ecology.

Web Site

Financial Aid Available by Program of Study

Doctorate in Biology

Program description

Financial Aid Available*

Financial Aid Related to Research Project

$21000 per year for 4 years.

A scholarship of $21 000 to $25 000/year for 4 years is available.

Program-Specific Financial Aid

Graduate Studies Awards

Milestone	Amount
Progression scholarship	7 x $500
Doctoral exam or seminar presentation	$750
Doctoral exam, seminar or conference	$1,000
Publication	$750
Communication	$1,000
First submission of dissertation	$1,000*
Total	$8,500

*A $500 bonus will be added to the graduation scholarship if the initial submission is made before the semester preceding the final qualifying semester.

Université Laval: Student Financial Aid

Funding source	Amount
Leadership and Comittment Scholarship (Canadians & permanent residents)	$30,000
Citizens of the World Scholarship (International students)	$30,000
Mobility Grant for Out-of-Province Internships or Research Visits (in French)	$1,000 to $2,000
Graduate Scholarships from Granting Agencies	$25,000 to $40,000$
Online Directory of Graduate Scholarships (in French)	$500 to $50,000

Supplemental Tuition Fee Exemption Scholarship Program: Entitles international students to pay Canadian student tuition fees, for overall savings of around $40,000.

_{* Amounts shown represent maximum financial aid available. Certain conditions apply. Subject to change without prior notice. For further information, contact sponsoring organizations directly.}

Desired Profile

- Biology

Requirements and Conditions

- Strong academic record, experience in animal ecology and spatial analyses.
- Interest and skills in statistical analysis of large and complex datasets, and artificial intelligence network.
- Autonomy and initiative, strong oral and written communication skills.
- First author of at least one paper in a refereed journal.
- A basic knowledge of French and/or willingness to learn it.

Required Documentation

- Cover letter
- Curriculum vitæ
- Student transcript

Provide e-mails of three referees that could attest your potential as a researcher

Application Deadline

December 11, 2024

Find Out More

Steeve Côté
Professeur titulaire
Département de biologie
steeve.cote@bio.ulaval.ca