Post-doctoral position available in spatial and demographic connectivity
of caribou Universite Laval, Quebec (Canada)

As part of the Caribou Ungava research program
(www.caribou-ungava.ulaval.ca), we are seeking a post-doctoral candidate
interested in working on the population genomics of the different ecotypes
of caribou in Quebec and Labrador. The large herds of migratory caribou
in northern Quebec and Labrador have sharply declined in recent years and
the causes of decline are still not well understood. Most populations
of boreal and mountain caribou are also in a precarious state. We are
interested in better understanding the evolutionary history of the
caribou populations and the demographic and genetic connectivity among
them. We aim to compare gene flow between migratory, boreal and mountain
caribou populations, and identify geographical regions where gene flow is
highest. We plan to assess divergence time during the last few centuries
according to variation in climate. Analyses will be based on the long-term
monitoring and genome-scale data (whole genomes and 63k SNP chip) from
800 migratory caribou from the Riviere-George and Riviere-aux-Feuilles
herds, 850 boreal caribou from 15 populations sampled over the last 20
years in Quebec and Labrador and about 55 mountain caribou (Gaspesie
and Torngat populations).

The candidate will work with a team of scientists specializing on caribou
ecology and genetics, including Aaron Shafer (Trent University), Glenn
Yannic (Universite Savoie Mont Blanc, France), Claude Robert (Universite
Laval), Martin-Hugues St-Laurent (Universite du Quebec a Rimouski),
Joelle Taillon (Quebec government), Sabrina Plante (Quebec government),
Sara McCarthy (Labrador and Newfoundland government), as well as Steeve
Cote (Universite Laval).  The position will be based out of Universite
Laval, but longer-term visits to collaborating labs are an option.

Start date : in 2025 according to the availability of the candidate.
Funding : $59,823 annual fellowship including social benefits (available
for 2 years).

Required skills : 

PhD in population genetics, animal ecology or similar subject.
Very strong academic and publication records;
Rigor, autonomy, and strong writing skills;
Experience with handling large genomic dataset and spatial genetic
analyses

To apply, please send a brief statement of interest, a CV, copies of
University transcripts and 3 names that could provide a reference to:
Steeve Cote, Director of Caribou Ungava, Dept of Biology, Centre
d'etudes nordiques, Universite Laval, Quebec (Quebec) Canada
steeve.cote@bio.ulaval.ca

Catherine Bajzak <catherine.bajzak@bio.ulaval.ca>

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