Are you passionate about marine ecology, whale conservation, and the impact of shipping and underwater noise pollution on endangered cetaceans? A fully funded PhD opportunity is now available at the University of Quebec in Outaouais (UQO), Canada, through the Laboratoire interdisciplinaire de simulation socio-écologique (LISSÉ).
📅 Application Deadline:
June 30, 2025 (or until the position is filled)
💵 Funding:
$27,000 CAD/year for 3 years, with additional competitive scholarships based on academic merit and progress.
📍 Location:
- UQO – Gatineau (Hull Sector) or Ripon Campus
- Fieldwork in the St. Lawrence Estuary and Saguenay Fjord
🎓 PhD Research Focus: Cetaceans & Shipping Noise in the St. Lawrence Estuary
🔬 Project Title:
The Role of Shipping Disturbance on the Spatial Ecology of Cetaceans in the St. Lawrence
This interdisciplinary doctoral research explores the impact of maritime traffic, underwater noise, and human activity on the spatial behavior, habitat use, and recovery of endangered whale species.
🐋 Target Whale Species:
- St. Lawrence Estuary Belugas
- Blue Whales
- Fin Whales
- Humpback Whales
- Minke Whales
🔍 Research Objectives
This PhD project aims to:
- Analyze spatial-temporal datasets (e.g., AIS vessel tracking, whale sighting reports, acoustic monitoring)
- Investigate how noise pollution disrupts whale aggregation and habitat selection
- Conduct in-depth field studies in high-priority marine zones
- Enhance the 3MTSim simulator for modeling whale behavior in noisy marine environments
- Generate science-based recommendations to reduce shipping impacts and guide marine conservation policies
🧪 Your Role as a PhD Candidate
You will:
- Perform ecological data analysis using spatial modeling tools (R, GIS, etc.)
- Develop and implement field sampling protocols
- Collaborate with partners such as:
- Fisheries and Oceans Canada
- Parks Canada
- GREMM
- MELCCFP
- Translate scientific findings into policy-relevant insights for species protection
✅ Candidate Eligibility & Skills
Required Qualifications:
- Strong background in spatial analysis and marine ecology
- Experience with cetacean research techniques
- Proficient in English (written and verbal)
- Ability to work independently and as part of a collaborative research team
Preferred (Bonus) Skills:
- Experience with Individual-Based Modeling (IBM)
- Familiarity with hydroacoustic datasets
- Willingness to participate in summer fieldwork in remote marine environments
🌍 Study & Research Environment
As a PhD student, you will be based at the LISSÉ lab in:
- Gatineau (Hull sector), near Ottawa, or
- Ripon, a scenic rural campus with access to ecological research resources
Field research will be conducted in the St. Lawrence Estuary and Saguenay Fjord — biodiversity hotspots vital to Canada’s marine conservation strategy.
💰 PhD Funding and Benefits
- Annual Stipend: $27,000 CAD (for three years)
- Extra Scholarships: Available based on academic excellence and project milestones
- Opportunity to work on high-impact, policy-relevant conservation research
📬 How to Apply
Interested candidates should email the following documents in a single PDF:
- Curriculum Vitae (CV)
- Cover Letter
- Academic Transcripts
📧 Submit Applications to:
(Provide both email addresses as required by the university)
🗓️ Deadline: June 30, 2025 (applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled)
🌎 Why This PhD Program Matters
The St. Lawrence Estuary is one of Canada’s most ecologically important marine environments and home to critically endangered belugas. With increasing climate pressures, commercial shipping, and marine noise pollution, research like this is urgently needed to protect vulnerable whale populations.
By joining this program, you’ll contribute to a cutting-edge blend of ecology, data science, and environmental policy, with the potential to shape national marine conservation strategies.
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