PhD: Conservation genomics of rare plants in Ontario

Ideal start date: September 2023

The Lee-Yaw lab at the University of Ottawa is looking for a PhD student who is enthusiastic about conservation genomics and plants. This is a co- supervised position with Dr. Jenny McCune from the University of Lethbridge. The student will work alongside others who are establishing new populations of rare and at-risk plants in southern Ontario. As part of these efforts, we wish to understand a) how populations at the edge of the range in Ontario are related to more central populations in USA and b) whether populations in Ontario are genetically isolated from each other. One of the study systems is likely to be crooked-stem aster (Symphyotrichum prenanthoides) but work on other species is possible. Apart from these questions, the student will have an opportunity to develop a thesis more generally exploring rarity, landscape genomics, genetic constraints on range limits, or other questions in ecology or conservation biology.

Eligibility: The successful applicant will ideally have an MSc involving molecular lab work. Previous experience working with plant DNA and genomic data is preferred. Molecular work and PhD program requirements are to be completed at the University of Ottawa. However, the student has the option to spend time in the McCune lab at the University of Lethbridge in Alberta. Fieldwork in southern Ontario is optional during the first summer but data collection will take place in the lab. This position is open to both domestic and international students. Black and Indigenous students, People of Colour, and members of the LGBTQ2+ are encouraged to apply. The University of Ottawa is a bilingual French-English institution and bilingual students are very welcome.

Stipend support: This position is primarily funded from an NSERC Alliance grant to J. McCune and supplemented by funding to both PIs. Minimum stipend support from TAships and research grants is $23,000 per year for four years (this is a starting point: additional top-up is possible contingent on scholarships and additional grant applications). Students are strongly encouraged to apply for external scholarships.

To apply Send an email to jleeyawuottawa.ca by March 15, 2023. Include: 1) A statement clearly outlining your research interests and career goals 2) A statement explaining how your previous experiences and training relate have prepared you for a PhD and relate to this project in particular 3) Your CV 4) A copy of your undergraduate (and MSc if applicable) transcripts (official transcripts are not needed)

General information: The Lee-Yaw Lab is a new lab at the University of Ottawa. Research in the lab focuses on understanding species' geographic distributions and the impacts of global change on range limits. The lab also works closely with different partners on projects that directly support the conservation of at-risk species. We have a particular fondness for amphibians but have worked on a number of different systems. Our work generally makes use of observational field studies, population genomics, and geospatial data. We also engage in synthesis work addressing a range of questions.

Our values: We value curiosity and creativity; collaboration and teamwork within and beyond the lab; and engagement with projects that support the protection of biodiversity. We work hard to maintain an inclusive and supportive environment and value the diverse experiences and perspectives of our members. We are actively looking for more inclusive ways of doing ecology and welcome conscientious thinkers with new ideas in this regard.

The University of Ottawa and Lee-Yaw Lab are located on the unceded, unsurrendered territory of the Anishinaabe Algonquin Nation who have cared for this land since time immemorial. We also conduct fieldwork in Treaty 7 territory, which is the traditional territory of the Blackfoot people, including the Kainai, Piikani, and Siksika Nations, as well as the Métis Nation of Alberta. We honour these Nations and all Indigenous Nations and Peoples and recognize our responsibility to respect the land on which we live, work, and play, as well as to explore meaningful ways to contribute to decolonization and Reconciliation.

For more information: Lee-Yaw lab: www. leeyawlab.ca Department of Biology at the University Ottawa: https: // www2.uottawa.ca/faculty-science/biology Graduate studies at the University of Ottawa: https: // www2.uottawa.ca/study/graduate-studies

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