By scholarshipswithaakash@gmail.com 
Fully funded PhD in Arctic Ecogenomics – Are you passionate about marine genomics, toxic algae, and climate-driven ecosystem changes? The prestigious Université Laval and the University of New Brunswick (UNB) are jointly offering a fully funded PhD position in Ecogenomic Signatures and Ecological Patterns of Toxigenic Phytoplankton in the Arctic. This is a rare opportunity to conduct high-impact research in one of the most rapidly changing environments on Earth — the Arctic marine ecosystem.
Funded as part of the Phycotoxins in the Arctic marine ecosystem (PHAT-E) program, this PhD opportunity offers full funding, cutting-edge training, and the chance to contribute directly to public health and environmental sustainability, especially within coastal Inuit communities.
🌍 Program Overview
This interdisciplinary PhD project focuses on the molecular characterization and ecological behavior of toxigenic phytoplankton found in Arctic waters. By combining ecogenomics, RNA sequencing, and bioinformatics, the research aims to track the spread, persistence, and health impacts of marine phycotoxins in northern food webs.
📌 Host Institutions:
- Université Laval (Québec City, Canada)
- University of New Brunswick (UNB), Canada
📆 Start Date: January 2026
🕒 Preferred Start: Fall 2025
🗓️ Application Deadline: 1 September 2025
📍 Location: Primarily based at Université Laval with collaborative visits to UNB
🧬 Project Highlights: What You’ll Work On
This PhD research addresses urgent questions in environmental genomics and marine public health, including:
- 🔍 Detection and monitoring of toxigenic phytoplankton using Oxford Nanopore sequencing
- 🧪 Identification of toxin-producing marine algal species and their genes in sediment and water samples
- 📊 Ecological modeling of phytoplankton dynamics, toxin transfer, and health risks in Arctic food chains
- 🛰️ Development of real-time, in-situ molecular tools for monitoring toxic algal blooms
- 🌊 Direct impact assessments for coastal Inuit communities
This research plays a pivotal role in mitigating climate change–linked health hazards and enhancing ecosystem resilience in polar regions.
🎁 What Does the Scholarship Include?
This is a fully funded PhD opportunity in Canada, covering:
- ✅ Annual salary: $30,000 CAD per year for 3 years
- ✅ Full tuition support
- ✅ Research travel and conference allowances
- ✅ Access to state-of-the-art labs at Takuvik Joint International Laboratory, Université Laval
- ✅ Collaboration with government agencies and Indigenous communities
👤 Who Should Apply?
This PhD is ideal for candidates with strong academic training in environmental or biological sciences and a passion for solving real-world Arctic ecosystem and public health problems.
✅ Eligibility Criteria:
- 🎓 MSc in:
- Oceanography
- Earth Sciences
- Molecular Biology
- Biology
- Bioinformatics or related fields
- 🔬 Experience with at least one of the following:
- Microscopy
- Phytoplankton taxonomy
- Molecular biology
- Environmental genomics
- Bioinformatics
- 💡 Strong problem-solving, independence, and team collaboration skills
- 🗣️ Excellent written and oral communication in English
- 🌐 Bilingualism in English and French is a plus, but not required
🧑🏫 Supervision & Collaborators
This research is jointly supervised by:
- Dr. Mathieu Ardyna – Université Laval / Takuvik Joint International Laboratory
- Dr. Roger Levesque – IBIS, Université Laval
- Dr. Audrey Limoges – University of New Brunswick
Students will benefit from the infrastructure and expertise of a multi-university, multi-agency consortium with access to Canadian federal labs and international collaborators.
🧾 How to Apply
To apply, submit the following as a single PDF:
- 📄 Cover Letter – Detailing your interest and fit for the position
- 📚 CV – Including education, research experience, publications (if any)
- 📧 Contact Information for three referees
📩 Submit your application via email to:
🗓️ Deadline to Apply: September 1, 2025
🧾 Applications will be accepted until the position is filled (early submissions encouraged)
If you require any help regarding your application, you can also contact us at scholarshipwithaakash@gmail.com
🧠 Why This Research Matters
This project offers a rare chance to apply science directly to community health outcomes. By investigating how climate-driven phytoplankton changes influence toxic food web transfers, this PhD supports:
- ⚠️ Public health protection in vulnerable Arctic regions
- 🧬 Enhanced molecular monitoring tools
- 🌱 Sustainable marine ecosystem management
- 🧑🤝🧑 Engagement with Inuit knowledge and coastal livelihoods
🤔 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
❓ Is this a fully funded PhD in Canada?
✅ Yes, the position offers $30,000 CAD/year, covering living, tuition, and research expenses.
❓ Do I need to be bilingual?
Not mandatory. English is sufficient, though French is a plus.
❓ Will I work at both universities?
Yes, you’ll be primarily based at Université Laval with collaborative visits to UNB.
❓ What is the project’s broader impact?
It contributes to climate adaptation, phytoplankton surveillance, and public health in Arctic Indigenous communities.
❓ Can international students apply?
Yes, all nationalities are welcome if they meet the academic and research criteria.
📌 Final Thoughts: Why You Should Apply
The fully funded PhD in Arctic Ecogenomics Canada at Université Laval and UNB is a unique opportunity to combine molecular biology, environmental science, and Indigenous engagement in one of the world’s most critical ecosystems. You’ll gain advanced genomic training, contribute to community-driven research, and join an elite team of scientists tackling climate-linked marine health threats.
📅 Deadline: September 1, 2025
📧 Send applications to:
🧪 Take your passion for marine biology, genomics, and public health to the next level in Canada!
🧑🎓 Author Bio
Mubeen Niaz
Founder of ScholarshipsWithAakash.site
Mubeen curates world-class, fully funded PhD and postdoctoral opportunities. With a background in molecular ecology and science communication, he supports global scholars in securing impactful research roles across continents.
Stay tuned with Scholarships with Aakash — Where Your Academic Dreams Take Flight.
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