Opportunities
PhD opportunity - Resilience and diversity of complex biological networks
Application Deadline: *Ongoing until position is filled*
University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Canada
The Lefebvre and Kharouba labs are seeking candidates to fill ONE Postdoctoral and ONE PhD (Biology) fully funded positions to explore how resilience and heterogeneity influences the dynamics of complex biological networks. These interdisciplinary projects will combine computational (e.g., data analysis, modelling, data-informed simulations) and potential field experiment approaches used in ecology and other fields to study how diversity contributes to the stability and resilience of biological function(s). The overall objective of the projects is to better understand the role played by diversity in the genesis of critical events(e.g., ecological collapse) and identify potential intervention strategies.
The successful candidate will join the Lefebvre and Kharouba labs in the Departments of Biology and Physics at the University of Ottawa, as well as an extensive network of existing experimental and clinical collaborations with both internal and external groups. The research will be conducted in the uOttawa Bioscience Complex, a teaching and research hub hosting dozens of state-of-the-art experimental and computational interdisciplinary research facilities in downtown Ottawa, Canada. Successful candidates will be immersed in a highly interdisciplinary environment, with access to many additional training and networking activities, and be associated with Centre for Neural Dynamics, the Ottawa-Carleton Institute of Biology, the uOttawa Brain and Mind Institute as well as the Krembil Brain Institute.
Details
PhD position: September 1st 2025 or Jan 1 2026.
Position description
Trainees will be expected to work in-person for most of the position. Trainees will be expected to participate in the lab's scholarly activities (i.e., workshops, meetings), and to support other lab member's work whenever applicable. We expect applicants to demonstrate the ability to work respectfully with others in teams to carry out project goals and contribute to an inclusive lab environment. Additional details of the projects will be provided during the interview process. Please don't hesitate to reach out at Jeremie.Lefebvre@uottawa.ca for any questions.
Requirements
The ideal candidates are expected to possess strong mathematical OR computing, writing and presentation skills, and express a vivid interest in eco-evo modelling, applied mathematics, and/or computational biology.
Applicants must meet the required qualifications for admission to graduate/postgraduate studies at the University of Ottawa, and comply with international regulations regarding traveling, studying and working in Canada whenever applicable. Successful candidates must be eligible to work in Ontario as of start date (or at a mutually agreed date).
Funding
PhD position: This position is fully funded for 4 years with a stipend of $30,000 CAD per year, including teaching assistantship duties. The successful candidate will be eligible to apply for Teaching Assistant (TA) positions and/or other scholarships, such as entrance scholarships.
Accommodations and Accessibility
Should you require a copy of this posting in an alternate format, please contact us as soon as possible and we would be happy to get one to you in a timely manner. We believe in the importance of supporting on-the-job success for the incumbent and are pleased to discuss and/or provide specific tools, resources, or other requirements for day-to-day work requirements, as needed.
How to apply
Interested candidates are invited to submit their application to Jeremie.Lefebvre@uottawa.ca, using the subject "Resilience position". In your dossier, please include:
A cover letter stating your interest and explaining why you are a good candidate for this position, and specify clearly which position (Postdoc, PhD) you are applying for
Up to date CV including a list of publication, if applicable.
Contact information for 2 references
Applications will be reviewed until the position is filled. Only candidates selected for an interview will be contacted.