M.Sc. position in molecular ecology Using invertebrates derived DNA (iDNA) to sample vertebrates diversity Several studies conducted in tropical ecosystems have shown that sequencing DNA fragments extracted from invertebrates' meals can sample part of vertebrates diversity of a defined area. This approach has never been tested in temperate ecosystems, where vertebrates biomass and diversity is lower. Furthermore, the relationship between the biodiversity sampled via iDNA sequencing and the actual biodiversity of an ecosystem remains poorly understood. The candidate will work on a research project aiming to use iDNA sequencing to sample terrestrial vertebrates in a Canadian deciduous forest. The candidate will (1) assess the diversity of several vertebrates (large and micromammals, birds, anoures) of a restricted region using traditional methods and (2) compare it to iDNA sequencing results, extracted from invertebrates captured concomitantly in the same region. Fieldwork will take place in the forests around Mount Kaiikop, in the Laurentides (Qu?bec, Canada). This project will assess the reliability and reproducibility of sampling vertebrates diversity using iDNA sequencing and evaluate the pertinence of this approach over larger geographical scales. The candidate will: *sample vertebrate diversity at Mount Kaiikop using acoustic recorders and camera traps *sample flying invertebrates (hematophagous and carnivorous) using passive traps *extract iDNA and analyse sequencing results *compare both approches, i.e., traditional and iDNA inventories The candidate will integrate the Environmental and Ecological Genomics lab at ISFORT (Institut des sciences de la for?t temp?r?e, Ripon, QC, Canada), affiliated to the Universit? du Qu?bec en Outaouais (Gatineau, QC, Canada), joining a team of several M.Sc. and Ph.D. students, a postdoc and a technician. The candidate will learn using several biodiversity sampling techniques, in addition to environmental data handling, processing and statistical analyses. Additionally, the candidate will use advanced molecular biology techniques and learn how to analyze meta-barcoding data. English speakers are welcome, but the working and living environments are mainly in French. The candidate will have to apply officially apply to the?Universit? du Qu?bec en Outaouais M.SC Biology program: https://etudier.uqo.ca/programmes/3440 This position is founded and conducted in collaboration with Coalition Conservation Mont Kaaikop and the MITACS organization. You can find more details on this project here (in French): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j00Q5q0Ubd4 General Conditions: * MITACS grant of 48 month * Starting in summer or autumn 2025 * If starting in autumn, possibility to be hired as a research assistant during summer * Grant : 24k$CAD /year * Driver's license mandatory *Fieldwork: Mount Kaaikop (Lantier, QC, Canada). Housing is covered by the research grant. *Labwork and data analyses: Institut des sciences de la for?t temp?r?e, Ripon, QC, Canada Please submit your application (CV, official transcript of records) to Pr. Yann Surget-Groba (yann.surget-groba@uqo.ca) before the 13th of December 2024 Bautisse Postaire (to subscribe/unsubscribe the EvolDir send mail to golding@mcmaster.ca) postaireb@gmail.com (to subscribe/unsubscribe the EvolDir send mail to golding@mcmaster.ca)