OPPORTUNITIES
Opportunities
The Forest Ecology Research Group is always looking for strong candidates for graduate and post-graduate research. Please send CV and cover letter detailing research interests and experience to Dr. Jennifer Baltzer.
We also often hire undergraduate students – either as Co-op students or as part-time research assistants.
Please contact Emily Bowyer (FERG Lab Coordinator) at ebowyer@wlu.ca, with a cover letter, resume and transcripts, if you would be interested in working in our lab.
Community & Ecosystem Resilience to Fire Project
The Enhancing Northern Community & Ecosystem Resilience to Fire project is a collaboration between Wilfrid Laurier University, the Government of the Northwest Territories, and Natural Resources Canada’s Wildfire Resilient Futures Initiative. Work on this project offers an exciting opportunity to contribute to cutting-edge research on wildfire dynamics, boreal forest resilience, and community protection in the Northwest Territories. Candidates will work in interdisciplinary teams to advance ecological understanding, inform fire management strategies, and support sustainable community planning in a changing climate.
PhD 1: Reconstructing Fire History in the Southern Northwest Territories
This PhD position focuses on upscaling fire history in the southern Northwest Territories through remote sensing methods. The research aims to connect fire history maps with ecosystem functions like carbon storage, wildlife habitat, and biodiversity, using both remote sensing and field-based data. Collaborating with a team investigating short-interval reburns, this role will also evaluate burn severity data products and their application in boreal forest management. Fieldwork will take place in remote areas of southern NWT, with the opportunity to contribute to adaptive fire management strategies in partnership with the Government of the Northwest Territories and Canadian Forest Service.
Future Harvest Partnership: Graduate and Postdoc Positions
The Future Harvest Partnership is a collaboration between Wilfrid Laurier University, the Territorial Agrifood Association, and the Government of the Northwest Territories. This project offers an opportunity to engage in innovative research focused on sustainable agriculture, ecosystem recovery, and community-based food systems in the Northwest Territories. Candidates will work within dynamic, interdisciplinary teams dedicated to advancing ecological knowledge, supporting traditional food practices, and informing sustainable policy development.
PhD 1: Advancing Soil Carbon Sequestration and Sustainable Agriculture in the Northwest Territories
Evaluate soil amendments to optimize crop yields and enhance carbon sequestration in Fort Smith and Hay River, NWT. This PhD role focuses on regenerative agriculture practices—like biochar, composting, and conservation cropping—to reduce carbon emissions and support northern food security. Collaborate with local producers to trial innovative methods, measure carbon fluxes and soil stocks, and contribute to Canada’s net-zero goals while gaining valuable field experience and multidisciplinary mentorship.
PhD 2: Exploring Resilient Food Systems and Fire Impacts in the Northwest Territories
Research in the South Slave and Dehcho regions of NWT, addressing the socio-ecological challenges of agriculture in a changing climate. This PhD position investigates the impacts of fire retardants on soil, crops, and wild plants, while evaluating their safety, productivity, and environmental effects. Collaborate with communities to enhance sustainable food production in disturbance-prone landscapes, and analyze key factors like soil fertility, traditional practices, and land management.
Connect
For more information regarding the Forest Ecology Research Group at Wilfrid Laurier University, please contact Dr. Jennifer Baltzer.
Mailing Address
Forest Ecology Research Group
c/o Dr. Jennifer Baltzer
Wilfrid Laurier University
75 University Avenue West
Waterloo, ON, N2L 3C5