Institution: Acadia University
Application deadline: May 15, 2025 by 5:00 PM (Atlantic Time)
ABOUT THE PROJECT:
Apoqnmatulti’k (Mi’kmaw for we help each other) is a collaborative research program, funded by the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC), that pairs Mi’kmaw, local and western scientific ways of knowing to track the movements and seasonal habitat use of valued aquatic species of interest to Mi’kmaw and coastal communities in Mi’kma’ki (Nova Scotia). Project partners include the Unama’ki Institute of Natural Resources (UINR), Confederacy of Mainland Mi’kmaq (CMM), commercial fisher Darren Porter, Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO), Ocean Tracking Network (OTN), Dalhousie University and Acadia University.
Apoqnmatulti’k is currently accepting applications for one student interested in completing a funded M.Sc. through the Coastal Ecology Lab at Acadia University, with a focus on tracking the movements of katew (American eel) in the Pekwitapa’qek (Bay of Fundy). The successful candidate will complete their M.Sc. under the supervision of Dr. Michael Stokesbury. Apoqnmatulti’k project partners will provide additional guidance and training opportunities.
WE ARE SEEKING CANDIDATES WHO:
Are Canadian citizens or permanent residents.
Have or are willing to gain knowledge in acoustic telemetry, data analysis & fish ecology.
Have fieldwork experience (animal capture & tagging is an asset; training provided).
Can work in an interdisciplinary team and integrate multiple ways of knowing.
Hold a completed four-year undergraduate degree in environmental science, biology, statistics, environmental studies, or a related field. Honours research experience is preferred, but applicants with substantial relevant experience from work or other studies may also be considered.
Have experience engaging with Mi’kmaw and local communities (an asset).
FUNDING:
This is a funded M.Sc. opportunity in which the candidate will receive an annual stipend. Funding is also available to support travel for field work, conference attendance, training opportunities, academic publishing costs, etc.
WORK ENVIRONMENT:
While some coursework will need to be completed in-person at Acadia University, the candidate will have the option of being based full time in their home community and arrangements can be made to support remote study. The candidate will be required to conduct fieldwork and community engagement in person at locations within the Minas Basin and surrounding areas. Apoqnmatulti’k is committed to minimizing barriers to participation in graduate programs and encourages applicants to reach out directly to discuss potential accommodation needs. Mi’kmaw and Indigenous students are strongly encouraged to apply.
TO APPLY:
Please send a cover letter explaining your interest in the project, resume, academic transcripts (unofficial is acceptable), and the names and contact information for three references. Applications should be submitted to Jessica Bradford (jbradford@oceantrack.org) with the subject line “Masters Application Minas Basin”.
The position will have a start date of September 1.