Are you passionate about climate change research, marine biodiversity, and nature-based climate solutions? Blue Carbon Canada invites applications for 3 fully funded postdoctoral fellowships and 5 PhD positions starting in Fall 2025. This is a unique opportunity to contribute to groundbreaking research on blue carbon ecosystems (BCEs) across Canada’s coastal regions.
🔬 About Blue Carbon Canada: Advancing Nature-Based Climate Solutions
Blue Carbon Canada is a collaborative research network working at the intersection of climate science, ecology, and marine conservation. We focus on studying and protecting blue carbon ecosystems, including:
- Salt marshes
- Eelgrass meadows
- Kelp forests
These ecosystems play a vital role in carbon sequestration, biodiversity preservation, and coastal protection, yet remain underrepresented in climate policy and marine planning. Our upcoming research phase aims to fill critical knowledge gaps through:
- Large-scale carbon modeling
- Ecosystem service valuation
- Data synthesis and mapping
- Policy-relevant decision science
🧪 3 Funded Postdoctoral Fellowships (2025–2028)
Blue Carbon Canada is hiring three full-time postdoctoral researchers to lead high-impact projects. All roles are fully funded and include comprehensive benefits.
📌 PDF #1: Ecosystem Services & Biodiversity Valuation
- Duration: 3 years (Sept 2025 – Aug 2028)
- Research Focus: National assessment of biodiversity and ecosystem services in BCEs
- Mentors: Profs. Baum, O’Connor, Martin (UVic, UBC, McGill) + WWF-Canada, DFO
🗺️ PDF #2: Mapping BCE Protections & Threat Analysis
- Duration: 2 years (Sept 2025 – Aug 2027)
- Research Focus: Identify current protection levels and assess threats to BCEs
- Mentors: Profs. Baum, O’Connor + partner organizations
📊 PDF #3: Carbon Sequestration & Spatial Modeling
- Duration: 2.5 years (Jan 2026 – June 2028)
- Research Focus: Spatial prioritization of blue carbon hotspots
- Mentors: Profs. Knox, Baum, O’Connor, Martin + WWF-Canada, DFO
Salary: $70,000–$75,000 CAD/year + full benefits
Required Qualifications:
- PhD in ecology, geography, oceanography, or statistics
- Strong skills in data synthesis, carbon modeling, and scientific communication
- Desirable: GIS expertise, experience with BCEs, and conservation tools
🎓 5 Fully Funded PhD Positions in Blue Carbon Research (Starting Sept 2025)
All five PhD positions are fully funded at $35,000/year (minimum 3 years), providing excellent opportunities for interdisciplinary training and applied research.
⚗️ PhD #1: GHG Emissions & Salt Marsh Dynamics
- Focus: Greenhouse gas flux modeling in Canadian salt marshes
- Institutions: St. Francis Xavier University & McGill
- Skills: Field research, PEPRMT-Tidal model, GHG measurement techniques
🌊 Regional Priority PhD Projects
These four PhDs will focus on region-specific blue carbon evaluations, including restoration and conservation planning.
| PhD Position | Research Area | Supervisors |
|---|---|---|
| #2 | Great Bear Sea (Northern BC) | Martin (UBC), Baum (UVic) |
| #3 | Salish Sea (Southern BC) | Martin, O’Connor (UBC), Baum (UVic) |
| #4 | James Bay | O’Connor (UBC), Kuzyk (U. Manitoba) |
| #5 | Scotian Shelf & Bay of Fundy | Baum, Boerder, Fuller, Krumhansl |
Required Skills:
- Spatial and ecosystem modeling
- Stakeholder engagement
- Biodiversity and ecosystem service assessment
Training Includes:
- Decision science
- Weekly research team meetings
- National and transdisciplinary collaboration
📥 Application Instructions
✅ Application Deadline: Review begins June 30, 2025
Submit the following as a single PDF to:
📧 pm.bluecarboncanada@gmail.com
📌 For Postdoctoral Applicants:
- Cover letter (specify position, motivation, and equity commitment)
- CV (max 4 pages)
- 2 relevant publications
- Contact details for 2–3 academic references
📌 For PhD Applicants:
- Cover letter (include ranked project preferences)
- CV (max 3 pages)
- Up to 2 research samples or publications
- Contact details for 2–3 academic references
🤝 Why Choose Blue Carbon Canada?
By joining our team, you’ll become part of a leading-edge climate science initiative making tangible contributions to Canada’s conservation goals. Benefits include:
- 💰 Competitive stipends and full benefits
- 🌐 Mentorship from top Canadian universities and NGOs
- 🔄 Cross-disciplinary research training
- 🧠 Opportunities to publish and present internationally
- 💼 Direct impact on climate policy and marine planning
🚀 Apply Now and Shape the Future of Blue Carbon Science
If you are committed to solving real-world climate challenges through rigorous research and collaboration, we want to hear from you.
🌎 Join Blue Carbon Canada and help advance science-based marine conservation in Canada and beyond.