Fully Funded MSc Opportunity in Wildfire, Soil Erosion, and Carbon Dynamics at UNBC (Canada)

Are you passionate about environmental research and eager to pursue a fully funded Master’s degree in Canada? The University of Northern British Columbia (UNBC) is offering an exciting MSc position focused on the critical intersection of wildfires, soil erosion, and carbon dynamics in forest ecosystems.

This opportunity provides a competitive funding package of CAD $27,000 per year for two years, with additional support available through teaching assistantships and NSERC funding.

📍 Program Location

• Institution: University of Northern British Columbia (UNBC)
• City: Prince George, British Columbia, Canada
• Graduate Program: MSc in Natural Resources and Environmental Studies
• Program Information

🔬 Project Overview

This MSc position is part of a large collaborative research project investigating how wildfire-triggered erosion and deposition impact soil organic carbon (SOC) in Canadian forest environments.

The MSc thesis will use 239+240Pu soil redistribution rates to analyze SOC stocks and fractions over long timescales in the forests of Northwestern Canada.

The research is supported by NSERC and the BC Real Estate Foundation, with opportunities to collaborate with leading scientists, Indigenous partners, and international research teams.

👩‍🏫 Supervision & Collaboration

The MSc student will be:

• Supervised by: Dr. Raquel Portes
• Co-supervised by: Dr. Diogo Spinola (UNBC)
• Collaborating with:
  • Dr. Phil Owens (UNBC)
  • Dr. Brendan Miller (BC Ministry of Forests)
  • Dr. Michael Ketterer (Northern Arizona University)
  • Dr. Markus Egli (University of Zurich)
  • Cheslatta First Nation partners
  • Postdoctoral researchers, graduate, and undergraduate students

✅ Required Qualifications

Applicants should have:

• A BSc degree in soil science, geography, forestry, geology, or environmental science.
• Strong communication and organizational skills.
• Ability to work effectively in a team environment.
• Willingness to conduct fieldwork in remote locations.

⭐ Preferred Experience

• Soil morphological description and sampling
• Soil laboratory work (carbon analysis, fractionations, textures)
• Wet chemistry lab techniques (pipetting, weighing, preparing solutions)
• Familiarity with fallout radionuclides
• Data analysis and statistics
• Valid driver’s license

📅 Important Details

• Start Date: Spring Semester, May 2026
• Salary: CAD $27,000/year (2 years) + potential TAships/NSERC support
• Application Deadline: September 30, 2025 (priority deadline; open until filled)
• Closing Date Listed: September 26, 2025

📑 Application Process

To apply, send a single PDF file to Dr. Raquel Portes (raquel.portes@unbc.ca) with the subject line:
👉 “MSc wildfire erosion carbon”

Your application should include:

1. Cover Letter (max. 1 page) outlining relevant academic/work experience and skills
2. Curriculum Vitae (CV) with academic achievements, conferences, and publications
3. Unofficial transcripts
4. Names and contact details of two references

🌍 Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion

UNBC encourages applications from all qualified individuals, including:

• Women
• Indigenous Peoples
• Visible minorities
• Persons with disabilities

🎓 Why Choose UNBC for Your MSc?

UNBC is one of Canada’s leading research-intensive universities, offering students the chance to work in cutting-edge environmental research while enjoying the natural beauty of Northern British Columbia. This project is ideal for students looking to make a real impact in climate change research, forest ecology, and soil science.

👉 Don’t miss this chance to pursue a fully funded MSc in Canada. Submit your application by September 30, 2025 and take the next step toward becoming a global leader in environmental sustainability and climate research.

Apply Now: https://findajob.agu.org/job/8025572/msc-opportunity-in-wildfire-soil-erosion-and-carbon-dynamics/?utm_source=chatgpt.com#application-form