INSTITUTIONS: Assiniboine Park Conservancy, Fisheries and Oceans Canada, and the University of Manitoba

 

Come work with a collaborative, inclusive, and conservation‑driven research team examining the ecology of harbour seals in a rapidly changing Arctic environment. This graduate opportunity, available at a PhD level, is part of a multi‑agency partnership between Assiniboine Park Conservancy and Fisheries and Oceans Canada, building on recent seal‑tagging initiatives in the Churchill River estuary. We are a diverse and supportive research community that values curiosity, creativity, and student‑driven inquiry. We know confidence gaps are normal; if you’re excited about marine mammal ecology, spatial analysis, or Arctic systems, we strongly encourage you to apply.

 

Project Overview:

Harbour seals in western Hudson Bay occupy a complex coastal and estuarine environment that is undergoing rapid environmental change. This project will leverage satellite telemetry, environmental datasets, and spatial modeling to understand how seals use space and how their haul‑out behavior varies across ecological contexts. Students will gain experience in quantitative ecology, movement analysis, conservation science, and northern field systems. PhD students will have opportunities to broaden the project’s scope and develop independent research questions. This project would aim to characterize haul‑out patterns, investigate summer movement and diving behavior and space‑use strategies using high‑resolution telemetry, and assess environmental drivers (e.g., ice phenology, river discharge, prey dynamics) shaping seal behavior. To answer these questions, the student will have the opportunity to analyze satellite telemetry data from harbour seals tagged in the Churchill River estuary, integrate observational, spatial, and environmental datasets, and apply statistical and spatial modeling approaches (e.g., resource‑selection models, movement models such as state-space models, and/or mixed‑effects modelling frameworks).

 

Qualifications:

• A Master’s of Science (MSc), or equivalent, in biology, ecology, wildlife science, marine science, or a related field, in similar fields.
• Strong quantitative aptitude and interest in data‑rich ecological projects.
• Experience with (or enthusiasm for learning) R and spatial analysis tools.
• Interest in marine mammal ecology, movement ecology, or Arctic conservation.

Additional assets:

• Canadian citizens or permanent residents will be given priority
• Prior experience analyzing large datasets (e.g., telemetry, remote sensing, ecological time series).
• Experience with modeling frameworks such as habitat‑selection, state‑space, or Bayesian approaches.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently and collaboratively on research projects.
• Strong scientific writing and oral presentation skills or evidence of research dissemination.

 

POSITION START DATE: Fall 2026

APPLICATION DEADLINE: March 23^rd, 2026

CONTACT: Dr. Courtney Shuert — cshuert@assiniboinepark.ca;

PLEASE SEND: Your CV, a brief cover letter introducing yourself and describing your research experience and interests, references, and transcripts.

 

Thanks,

 

Courtney Shuert, PhD (she/her)

Conservation Programs Manager

Assiniboine Park Conservancy

2595 Roblin Blvd.

Winnipeg, MB, R3P 2N7

assiniboinepark.ca

 

Assiniboine Park is located on Treaty 1 territory within the Province of Manitoba, the traditional lands of the Anishinaabe, Cree, Oji-Cree, Dene, and Dakota Peoples, and the National Homeland of the Red River Métis.