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.

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.