University of Alberta Funded PhD in Biological Sciences 2026

The PI will build an international hub or Centre for Open Science and Research Synthesis in Ecology and Evolution to revolutionize and improve scientific practises in ecology, evolution, and related fields, such as conservation and environmental sciences, by forming a large international collaborative network. The core interdisciplinary team will include biologists and computer and social scientists from UoA. This new lab (Centre) will conduct meta-analyses and other quantitative syntheses using all data types (e.g., citizen science data, climate data) and develop new methodologies. Therefore, we intend to lead and direct future research across many topics in ecology and evolution.

Summary

1. Application Deadline: Not Specified
2. Value: $25,917 per year for 5 years (guaranteed with teaching assistantships)
3. Study Level: PhD
4. Sponsor: University of Alberta
5. Field of Study: Biological Sciences
6. Host Country: Canada
7. Eligible Countries: All Countries

Eligibility Criteria for University of Alberta Funded PhD in Biological Sciences 2026

Work descriptions and duties:

1. Leading research synthesis, methodological, or meta-science projects in consultation with the PI and other collaborators (on research topics that align with the applicant’s interest and skills within PI’s CERC program remit).
2. Completing research projects, publishing them, and collaborating with other researchers at the Centre.

Eligibility, necessary qualifications, and qualities:

1. Bachelor’s degree in biology (ecology, evolution, and environmental sciences), psychology, statistics, mathematics, computer sciences, philosophy or related fields.
2. Self-motivated and eager to learn new skills. While quantitative methods can be intimidating, if you are self-driven and open-minded, we assure you that you can learn these skills and become a world-class researcher.
3. Excellent organizational and communication skills
4. We are open to applications from any country

Preferred experiences and skills:

1. Coding experience is preferred but not required (e.g., in R Python, Julia, MATLAB)
2. Willingness to think critically about hot topics in conservation biology and ecology.
3. Prior research experience is recommended.

Benefits of University of Alberta Funded PhD in Biological Sciences 2026

Position, salary, and location:

1. The appointment will be for 5 years
2. The salary starts at $25,917/year for 5 years (guaranteed with teaching assistantships)
3. Lab members will be expected to work at a newly refurbished lab space at the University of Alberta, Edmonton, one of Canada's most affordable places to live [link].

How to Apply

Please send the PI (Shinichi Nakagawa: shinichi.nakagawa@ualberta.ca) an email with the following attachments (or a link from which the documents can be downloaded)

1. A cover letter describing experiences and research interests
2. Transcripts
3. Contact details of three referees (two are fine, too)
4. A two-page (max) statement of research interests (please read the CERC application and discuss the link between your research interest and the CERC program).
5. A one-page (max) diversity and social impact statement (describing strengths and experiences in equity, diversity, and inclusion, and/or social activities such as volunteering at learned societies and outreach activities, and/or other extra-curricular activities, and/or supervisory/teaching experiences)

For more information, visit the scholarship webpage

Application Deadline

Not Specified

Application Link(s)

• Apply for University of Alberta Funded PhD in Biological Sciences 2026