Postdoctoral Positions in Quantitative Biodiversity and Conservation @ McGill University

We are seeking two postdoctoral researchers for projects in the Gonzalez and Pollock labs in the Department of Biology at McGill University, Montreal. The aims of the projects are to apply biodiversity data and monitoring science to conservation and nature based strategies for climate mitigation. 

Postdoc 1: Network and connectivity indicators 

We are interested in developing indicators of biodiversity change that consider habitat networks and scenarios of change (e.g. land-use, climate) for many species and the management interventions (e.g. protecting stepping stone corridors) required to ensure long-term ecological and evolutionary resilience. 

Postdoc 2: Spatial planning for biodiversity and ecosystem services

We will develop and apply biodiversity models and indicators to support conservation decisions and planning for Canada’s biodiversity and ecosystem services (e.g. carbon sequestration). 

Both candidates are expected to have a strong background in biodiversity science, advanced quantitative skills and an interest in tackling complex datasets, statistical modeling, and conservation optimization/prioritization tools.

Projects will further ongoing work in our labs linking monitoring and essential biodiversity variables to indicators in a detection and attribution framework for biodiversity change. This research will contribute to the implementation of strategies to meet the targets in Goal A of the new Global Biodiversity Framework of the UN Convention on Biological Diversity. Each position is directly linked with the knowledge needs of partners in Canada, including Parks Canada and ministries of the Quebec government. This work is expected to inform conservation planning. While the research is focused on Canada, the projects may have global reach through our collaboration with Group on Earth Observation Biodiversity Observation Networks (GEO BON).

These highly collaborative positions will be co-supervised and benefit from the activities of both labs as well as contributing to and benefiting from the Québec Centre for Biodiversity Science (QCBS) and GEO BON’s Knowledge Hub on indicators. 

To apply, please send a cover letter describing your research background, interests, and qualifications along with a complete curriculum vitae and contact information for at least two references as a single email to andrew.gonzalez@mcgill.ca and laura.pollock@mcgill.ca

Only short-listed candidates will be notified. We are seeking a candidate that can begin Fall 2022. The search for these positions will be open until filled.

Salary: CAD $60,000 per year plus McGill University’s postdoctoral benefits.