PhD Position in Community Ecology: Concordia University’s Community Ecology and Biogeography Lab, led by Professor Jean-Philippe Lessard, is offering a funded PhD position starting in August 2026. The lab explores how biodiversity is maintained, how ecological communities assemble, and how global change reshapes species distributions and ecosystem processes. The position includes a stipend with opportunities for TA/RA roles.
PhD Position in Community Ecology and Biogeography – Concordia University, Canada
Summary Table
| Field | Details |
|---|---|
| Designation | PhD Position |
| Research Area | Community Ecology, Biogeography, Ecological Networks, Species Range Dynamics, Global Change Biology |
| Location | Department of Biology, Concordia University, Montreal, Canada |
| Start Date | August 2026 |
| Funding | Stipend + TA/RA opportunities |
| Application Deadline | January 8, 2026 |
Designation
PhD Student – Community Ecology and Biogeography
Research Area
The position spans several interconnected themes, including:
- Community ecology and biogeography
- Species range limits, environmental change, and evolutionary dynamics
- Ecological network assembly: plant–pollinator, plant–microbial, host–parasite systems
- Soil arthropods, nutrient cycling, and carbon storage
- Insect ecology and macroecology
- Ecological modeling, spatial analysis, quantitative ecology, large datasets
- R programming and related analytical skills
You’ll work in a group that blends theory, fieldwork, and data-driven approaches. Many projects focus on insects—ants, bees, dragonflies—and their role in ecosystem functioning.
Location
Community Ecology & Biogeography Lab
Department of Biology
Concordia University
Montreal, Canada
Eligibility / Qualifications
You’ll be a strong match if you bring:
- Solid academic training in ecology, biogeography, or evolutionary biology
- Skills in R or another scientific programming language
- Experience handling large datasets and performing quantitative analyses
- Fieldwork experience in ecology or biodiversity studies (preferred)
- Background in ecological modeling, GIS, or spatial analysis (asset)
- Mathematics relevant to quantitative ecology (asset)
- Understanding of insect physiology, metabolism, or biochemistry (asset)
- Prior publications (advantage)
- Motivation to apply for external funding opportunities (advantage)
Job Description
As a PhD student, you’ll:
- Develop independent research aligned with the lab’s focus on biodiversity distribution, ecological networks, and global change
- Conduct fieldwork, often involving insect ecology and ecosystem processes
- Perform quantitative and spatial analyses using large ecological datasets
- Contribute to theoretical and empirical projects
- Collaborate within a diverse and active research group
- Apply ecological modeling and analytical tools to understand biodiversity patterns
The lab values curiosity, analytical thinking, and a strong motivation to tackle ecological questions with global relevance.
How to Apply
Prepare a single PDF containing:
- Cover letter explaining your fit for the position
- Academic CV
- Unofficial transcripts
- Names and contact details of two referees
- Publications (if any)
- Any additional documents that strengthen your application
Email the PDF to alisa.makusheva@concordia.ca
Email subject: Community Ecology_Your Name
For questions, contact the same email.
The lab actively welcomes applicants from diverse backgrounds, including students from the global south and LGBTQ+ community.
Last Date to Apply
January 8, 2026
