Funded PhD Position: Impacts of Exposure to Soil Pesticide, Nigel Raine Lab, Canada

Summary

The Nigel Raine Lab at the University of Guelph is offering a 4-year fully funded PhD position to study how pesticide residues in soil affect soil-dependent bees. As part of the Horizon Europe-funded ProPollSoil initiative, this project aims to address critical knowledge gaps regarding below-ground pesticide exposure in pollinators through laboratory and semi-field experimentation in collaboration with University College Dublin.

Funded PhD Position: Impacts of Exposure to Soil Pesticide Residues on Soil-Dependent Bees, Nigel Raine Lab, Canada

Designation

• Position Title: PhD Student / Doctoral Researcher
• Funding Type: Fully Funded (4 Years)

Overview Table

Research Area

• Ecotoxicology & Pollinator Health
• Environmental Sciences & Agricultural Ecology
• Entomology & Insect Behavioural Ecology
• Soil Ecology & Conservation

Location

• Institution: School of Environmental Sciences, University of Guelph, Guelph, Ontario, Canada
• Collaborative Network: University College Dublin, Ireland (as part of the Horizon Europe ProPollSoil project)

Eligibility / Qualification

• Degree Required: Master’s degree (e.g., MSc) in a relevant research field.
• Academic Background: Strong background in behavioural ecology, ecology, conservation, entomology, zoology, environmental sciences, agricultural sciences, ecotoxicology, or related disciplines.
• Preferred Experience: Prior research experience working with insects in laboratory or field settings is highly desirable.

Job Description

• Investigate the risks and impacts of soil pesticide residues on soil-dependent bees, including solitary ground-nesting species (such as the hoary squash bee, Xenoglossa pruinosa) and bumblebee queens.
• Design and execute experimental research across both laboratory and semi-field conditions.
• Work collaboratively within the Horizon Europe-funded ProPollSoil network, liaising closely with Dr. Dara Stanley and colleagues at University College Dublin.
• Contribute to understanding ecosystem service impacts on wild plants and agricultural crops resulting from pesticide exposure.

How to Apply

Interested applicants should email the following documents in a single application to Prof. Nigel Raine (nraine@uoguelph.ca) with the subject line “Soil pesticide PhD application”:

1. Covering Letter: Explaining your motivation and research interest in the project (maximum 2 pages).
2. Curriculum Vitae (CV): Highlighting research experience, relevant skills, and contact details for two academic/scientific references.
3. Transcripts: Copies of unofficial university transcripts for all previous degrees.
4. Writing Sample: A sample of academic writing (e.g., a manuscript, lab report, essay, or published paper).

Last Date for Apply

August 21, 2026 (Review of applications begins immediately and continues until the position is filled).

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