Graduate Assistantship (MSc) at Laval University for International Students

Graduate assistantship (M.Sc.)

Course(s) Offered: Forest sciences
Course Level: Graduate (masters)
Provider: Université Laval
Country to Study in: Canada

Scholarship Description
A graduate assistantship is available for a Master’s degree in forest sciences at Laval University to investigate the genetic variability of wood properties among populations of white spruce trees (Picea glauca).

The project is a partnership between the Canadian Wood Fibre Center (CWFC) (Dr J. Beaulieu), Laval University (Dr J. MacKay) and the Ministry of Natural Resources and Fauna of Quebec.

Eligibility
Full-time conditional or unconditional admission into a Master’s degree programme in the forest sciences at the University of Laval. For more specific details, please visit the official website.

Eligible groups
Citizens of ANY nationality

Participating Institutions
Faculty of Forestry and Geomatics, Université Laval, Quebec; Canada

Fields of study
Masters (M.Sc.) level Graduate assistantship in Population genetics of wood properties in white spruce

The impact of genetics on the variability of wood properties will be investigated by comparing populations from several distinct ecoregions.

The specific goals are as follows:

• Quantify the variability of wood fibre traits among white spruce populations from different ecoregions in Quebec;
• Investigate correlations between wood fibre traits and growth conditions such as the site index and stand structure in order to develop predictive models for wood quality;
• Verify the degree of relatedness between sampled trees by using DNA markers in order to: i) assess the potential impact of genetic relatedness on correlations between traits and growth conditions or ii) use it as a variable in the models.

Laboratory work mainly includes DNA extractions and genotyping of several markers to estimate the degree of relatedness between trees from different ecoregions.

Statistical analysis of wood and fibre property data will assess if significant variation can be attributed to the origin of the trees (ecoregions) and to develop mathematical models to predict wood properties. The results will find application in applied tree breeding programs.

Number of awards
Not specified by the university, but most probably one

Sponsorship duration
Whole duration of programme -- one or two years

Scholarship benefits
A stipend of 16 000 $ (CAN) per year is available for a two year period starting as early as January 2010.

Method of Application
Interested? Think you are eligible?

Contact Dr John Mackay by email.

DEADLINES:
This position is vacant until it is taken up by a competent and eligible applicant. You are encouraged to apply as soon as possible.

PLEASE NOTE:
Laval University is a French language institution which welcomes many international students, and offers high quality graduate training and access to modern and well-equipped laboratories in the areas of forest genetics and genomics within the Institute for Integrative and Systems Biology (IBIS).

Application Deadline: Vacant until filled up
Open to International Applicants: Yes

More Scholarship Information and Application

Related: Canadian Scholarships for International Students