The Vanderwel lab at the University of Regina is looking to recruit a highly motivated individual for an MSc or PhD project investigating the influence of climatic aridity on the dynamics of standing dead trees. In recent decades, increases in aridity have caused region-wide losses of forest carbon across western Canada as moisture stress has both reduced forest productivity and increased tree mortality. These effects of climate change are particularly strong within the Prairie region, where high summer moisture deficits pose a major challenge to drought-sensitive tree species. A better understanding of how tree mortality is related to moisture in this region will help in assessing the future impacts of climate change on forest carbon balance. This project will examine how the density and rate of fall of standing dead trees are affected by spatial and temporal variation in moisture availability across a mixed forest landscape situated near the edge of species' climatic moisture niche. The successful candidate will leverage a 10-year dataset on forest canopy structure derived from annual unmanned aerial vehicle surveys to investigate the dynamics of standing dead trees during a multi-year period of abnormally dry weather. The position will start in September 2025 or January 2026 and will be hosted at the Department of Biology at the University of Regina, working under the supervision of Dr. Mark Vanderwel (http://vanderwelforestlab.weebly.com). A minimum stipend of $26 000/year for two years (MSc) or $28 000/yr for four years (PhD) is provided. Applicants at the MSc level should possess a four-year Bachelor's degree (ecology, biology, forestry, environmental science, or a related field), strong inter-personal skills, quantitative skills including R programming, and an enthusiasm for research. In addition to these qualifications, applicants at the PhD level must possess a Master's degree in a relevant field. To apply, please send a cover letter describing research interests and experience, a CV, unofficial academic transcripts, and contact information for 2 references by e-mail to mark.vander...@uregina.ca. Review of applications will begin on March 10 and will continue until the position is filled.
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