Research Associate (Two Year Limited Term) - 2 positions

Date Posted: 10/01/2024
Req ID:39937
Faculty/Division: Faculty of Architecture,Landscape&Design
Department: Daniels Faculty of Arch., Land & Design
Campus: St. George (Downtown Toronto)

Description:

About Us

The Daniels Faculty of Architecture, Landscape, and Design at the University of Toronto endeavours to educate students, prepare professionals, and cultivate scholars who will play a leading role in creating more culturally engaged, ecologically sustainable, socially just, and artfully conceived environments.

The greater Toronto region serves as a dynamic laboratory for both its students and faculty, while the University of Toronto, which year after year ranks among the top universities in the world, provides a wealth of knowledge and expertise that they can draw from. Like Toronto, Daniels students and faculty are incredibly cosmopolitan in sensibility, hailing from every part of the world, with their work crossing all sorts of geographic and cultural boundaries. The city’s multicultural networks and international connections make the Daniels Faculty a powerful place to start a career.

Your Opportunity

The Research Associate (Limited Term) will perform research on the biological control of introduced Phragmites (Phragmites australis ssp. australis). The successful candidate will have the opportunity to collaborate with a team of scientists and land managers working to implement Phragmites biological control across southern Ontario.

The Research Associate (Limited Term) is anticipated to commence ASAP.

Major Activities

• Designing release and monitoring protocols for two Lepidopteran biological control agents, Archanara neurica and Lenisa geminipuncta.
• Overseeing the laboratory mass-rearing programs for Archanara neurica and Lenisa geminipuncta.
• Coordinating research activities to promote the effective integration of biological control with conventional methods of Phragmites control at a provincial scale.
• Collaborating on the writing of research papers on the biological control of introduced Phragmites.

Qualifications

EDUCATION:

Candidates require a PhD and at least 2 years of postdoctoral experience in entomology, ecology, invasion science, or an equivalent field.

EXPERIENCE:

• A minimum of four (4) years of experience leading and implementing biological control release programs.
• A minimum of four (4) years of experience rearing insects in laboratory conditions.
• Experience with the biology and ecology of invasive plants of Ontario, specifically common reed, Phragmites australis ssp. australis.
• Experience conducting field work and leading field crews for biological control research.
• Experience working with landowners and land-managers to organize and conduct the release of biological control insects.
• Developed extensive contacts with Ontario land-managers including Conservation Authorities and not-for-profit organizations.
• Published a minimum of three (3) peer reviewed papers in the field of weed biological control.

SKILLS:

• Designing and conducting research in the field of weed biological control
• Insect rearing and handling
• Proficient computer skills, including Microsoft Office
• Statistical analysis and interpretation, including proficiency with statistical software (e.g., R, SPSS, etc.)
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills

OTHER:

• Ability to manage multiple priorities and competing deadlines
• Proven ability to deal with people in a tactful and effective manner
• Demonstrated sound judgment in decision making
• Excellent organizational and time management skills

Closing Date: 10/10/2024,11:59PM ET
Employee Group: Research Associate 
Appointment Type: Grant - Term 
Schedule: Full-Time
Pay Scale Group & Hiring Zone: R01 -- Research Associates (Limited Term): $52,574 - $98,576
Job Category: Research Administration & Teaching

Notes: Two (2) Limited Term positions - 2 years from date of hire.