Opportunities

Dr. Atkinson and the PolarSEAL research group are committed to the principles of Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (JEDI). We welcome people of any ethnicity, ability, gender, and sexual orientation to reach out to us about our research.

Master’s Students – Arctic & Indigenous-Led Research

We are seeking Master’s students to participate in field-based research across Arctic and Indigenous community sites. Projects focus on:

• Landscape and water quality monitoring

• Participatory mapping and Indigenous knowledge integration

• Remote sensing and RPAS-based vegetation and terrain mapping

Students will gain hands-on experience in environmental data collection, geospatial analysis, and drone-based mapping, while working closely with Indigenous communities and multidisciplinary research teams. Opportunities include contributing to publications, presenting findings, and building community-centered research skills.

Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree in Geography, Environmental Science, or a related field

• Interest in Arctic, conservation, or Indigenous-led research

• Experience with GIS, RPAS/remote sensing, or spatial analysis preferred

Application:

Send a statement of interest, CV/resume, and transcripts to Dr. David Atkinson (datkinson@torontomu.ca).

PhD Student – Arctic Remote Sensing & Ecosystem Modeling

We are seeking a PhD student to advance research in Arctic ecosystem monitoring and high-resolution geospatial modeling, focusing on:

• Multi-sensor RPAS mapping and LiDAR analysis

• Object-based image analysis (OBIA) for vegetation and terrain classification

• Monitoring changes in permafrost, vegetation, and water systems

• Integrating traditional knowledge with quantitative geospatial methods

This position offers opportunities to collaborate with Indigenous communities, engage in international Arctic research networks, and contribute to high-impact publications. Students will gain advanced training in remote sensing, digital terrain modeling, and participatory mapping approaches.

Requirements:

• Master’s degree in Geography, Environmental Science, or related field

• Experience with GIS, RPAS, LiDAR, or OBIA preferred

• Strong quantitative, analytical, and academic writing skills

Application:

Send a statement of interest, CV/resume, and transcripts to Dr. David Atkinson (datkinson@torontomu.ca).

PhD Student – Indigenous-Led Conservation & Traditional Food Systems

We are seeking a PhD student to join our research program in Indigenous-led conservation and sustainable land management. The student will focus on:

• Participatory mapping and integration of Indigenous knowledge with spatial and ecological data

• Monitoring and modeling traditional food systems, including culturally significant plants and wildlife

• Remote sensing and RPAS-based vegetation and terrain mapping for conservation planning

• Supporting community-led stewardship and sustainability initiatives

This position provides hands-on experience working with Indigenous communities, advanced training in geospatial technologies, and opportunities to contribute to publications and policy-relevant reports. Students will gain experience combining cutting-edge spatial analysis with community-driven approaches to achieve meaningful conservation outcomes.

Requirements:

• Master’s degree in Geography, Environmental Science, Conservation Biology, or related field

• Experience with GIS, RPAS/remote sensing, or spatial analysis preferred

• Interest in community-based participatory research, Indigenous knowledge integration, or conservation

• Strong analytical, research, and academic writing skills

Application:

Send a statement of interest, CV/resume, and transcripts to Dr. David Atkinson (datkinson@torontomu.ca).

Note: Due to recent changes in international student visas, there is currently limited opportunity for international students.