Careers in the Plant SciencesMSc/PhD position(s)University of Manitoba - Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
Position Title:
MSc/PhD position(s)
Position Type:
Temporary Position
Application Review Begins:
Tuesday, January 28, 2025
Application Deadline:
Friday, February 20, 2026
Institution:
University of Manitoba
Department/Division:
Department of Biological Sciences
Field (e.g., systematics):
Plant-fungal interactions, microbial ecology, mycorrhization
City:
Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
General Information:
Funded MSc and PhD research opportunities:
1) Manoomin mycobiomes: The Klymiuk Laboratory for Plant Mycobiomes is currently leading discovery science (basic research) of root- and rhizosphere fungal diversity associated with wild rice in traditionally-harvested rice lakes, ‘wild’ stands, and agricultural settings. We currently partner with researchers at the University of Minnesota, Saskatchewan, and at the IISD-ELA to understand how population structure, genetic diversity, and ecosystem dynamics may influence plant-fungal and rhizosphere interactions in this culturally-important plant. These data will inform climate-adaptive, Indigenous-led agricultural interventions, under the auspices of the Reimagining Food Systems for Climate Change Adaptation, Mitigation, and Social Justice program (supported by the New Frontiers in Research Fund – International). We are working alongside Indigenous communities and Indigenous-led industry partners to explore circular economy models that integrate wild rice and local-scale traditional medicines with inland (facilities-based) aquaculture. Part of this vision is to aid in developing sustainable sovereign economic opportunities, in a framework that promotes conservation, cultural revitalization, and adaptation to localized impacts of climate change (e.g., marginalization of arable land by increased flooding or saltwater incursion). 2) Plant mycobiomes in hydric soils: Most of what we know about the ecology of plant-fungal interactions, and mycorrhization in particular, has been developed through studies in subaerially-exposed field, grassland, and forest soils. Inundated soils, however, are subject to a suite of abiotic and biotic drivers not paralleled in subaerial soils. Our current NSERC-funded research program focuses on developing baseline data for diversity and abiotic drivers of plant-fungal interactions in these systems.
Qualifications/Requirements:
High-ranking applicants will have training in sterile and aseptic techniques, microbial culturing, plant culture maintenance in glasshouse and controlled environments, and standard molecular bench techniques (e.g., DNA extraction, quantification, PCR, gel electrophoreisis, sequencing prep, etc.). Experience with Oxford Nanopore sequencing an asset.
Previous research experience or substantial coursework in plant or microbial ecology, fungal biology, and biogeochemistry are an asset. Applicants must meet program admission requirements: https://umanitoba.ca/explore/programs-of-study/biological-sciences-msc Please note that Canadian doctoral programs typically do not offer direct entry from an undergraduate program of studies; applicants interested in pursuing direct-entry doctoral opportunities should demonstrate a prior MSc. degree or substantive publication history.
Responsibilities:
Thesis-based graduate research.
Application Instructions (submission methods, etc.):
Please contact PI Az Klymiuk directly. Include a CV, statement of research interests, and representative publication (if any; if multi-authored, a detailed statement of contributions is required). Please note that materials generated with language learning models (e.g., ChatGPT, Bard, others) will not be reviewed.
Please note that Provincial Attestation Letters (PALs) are required for applicants outside Canada; PALs are limited and their distribution is time- and program-sensitive.
Web Link:
http://
Compensation Range:
Contact Name:
Dr Az Klymiuk, az.klymiuk@umanitoba.ca
|