Summary
The Nigel Raine Lab at the University of Guelph is seeking a highly motivated student for a 4-year fully funded PhD position. As part of the Horizon Europe-funded ProPollSoil project (“Understanding and managing soil health impacts to protect soil-dependent pollinators”), this position investigates how pesticide residues in soil affect soil-dependent bees such as solitary ground-nesting bees (e.g., the hoary squash bee Xenoglossa pruinosa) and bumblebee queens.
PhD Position: Impacts of Exposure to Soil Pesticide Residues on Soil-Dependent Bees, Nigel Raine Lab, Canada
Designation
- PhD Student / Researcher (4-Year Position)
Key Information at a Glance
| Feature | Details |
| Institution | University of Guelph |
| Department | School of Environmental Sciences |
| Principal Supervisor | Prof. Nigel Raine |
| Project Title | ProPollSoil (Understanding and managing soil health impacts to protect soil-dependent pollinators) |
| Position Duration | 4 Years |
| Funding Status | Fully Funded |
| Location | Guelph, Ontario, Canada |
| Collaborating Partner | University College Dublin, Ireland (Dr. Dara Stanley) |
| Application Deadline | August 21, 2026 |
| Anticipated Start Date | September 2026 |
Research Area
- Ecological Disciplines: Ecotoxicology, Entomology, Behavioural Ecology, Conservation, Environmental Sciences, and Soil-Pollinator Interactions.
Location
- School of Environmental Sciences, University of Guelph, Ontario, Canada.
Eligibility / Qualifications
- Academic Qualification: Must hold a Master’s degree (MSc or equivalent) in a suitable research field such as Behavioural Ecology, Ecology, Conservation, Entomology, Zoology, Environmental Sciences, Agricultural Sciences, Ecotoxicology, or related disciplines.
- Experience: Prior research experience working with insects in laboratory or field environments is highly desirable.
- Skills: Strong motivation, enthusiasm for pollinator research, and solid scientific writing skills.
Job Description
- Conduct experimental research under both laboratory and semi-field conditions evaluating the risks and impacts of soil pesticide residues on ground-nesting solitary bees and bumblebee queens.
- Work as part of the international ProPollSoil research network.
- Collaborate closely with Dr. Dara Stanley and colleagues at University College Dublin, Ireland.
- Collect and analyze ecotoxicological and behavioral data to contribute to sustainable agricultural and environmental conservation strategies.
How to Apply
Interested candidates should email the following documents as attachments directly to Prof. Nigel Raine at nraine@uoguelph.ca with the subject line: Soil pesticide PhD application:
- Cover Letter: Detailing your interest and motivation for applying (max 2 pages).
- Curriculum Vitae (CV): Highlighting research experience and contact details of two academic/scientific references.
- Transcripts: Copies of unofficial University transcripts for previous degrees.
- Writing Sample: An example of scientific writing (e.g., a manuscript, lab report, essay, or publication).
Last Date to Apply
- August 21, 2026 (Note: Review of applications begins immediately and will continue until the position is filled).
