MSc Position – Sustainable Agriculture & Microbiomes
Top Benefits
About the role
Overview
Harnessing Soil and Root Microbiomes for Sustainable Agriculture: Identifying Beneficial Microorganisms to Enhance Crop Productivity
Description. We are seeking a motivated student to join a collaborative research project between Bishop’s University (Sustainable Agriculture and Food Systems) and Université de Sherbrooke (Microbial Ecology), supported by Centre SÈVE and the Molson Foundation. The project aims to characterize soil and root microbiomes associated with crops and fruits grown under diversified and sustainable practices at the Educational Farm and the CANberries greenhouse.
Objectives
(Obj1) Manage production cycles in the greenhouse and in the field for crops grown in soils and in substrates, inoculated and uninoculated with mycorrhizae; extract DNA and sequence the full bacterial, fungal, and mycorrhizal communities using culture-independent methods.
(Obj2) Isolate key bacterial and fungal strains by culture-dependent techniques.
(Obj3) Compare mycorrhization levels and identify dominant mycorrhizal taxa in inoculated vs. non-inoculated plants.
Candidate Profile. Applicants should have a strong interest in sustainable agriculture and microbiome research. Background in sustainable agriculture, plant biology, microbiology, agronomy, bioinformatics, statistics, or metagenomics is an asset. The student will be actively involved in both production and microbial analysis components, gaining interdisciplinary experience across field, greenhouse, and laboratory settings.
Prospective candidates should contact us with the following information:
-
Letter of interest* (1 page)
-
CV
-
Unofficial transcripts
-
Contact information for 3 references
-
Please include in your letter of interest any career interruption or factor that may have influenced academic performance such as maternity leaves, family responsibilities, medical leaves, etc.
Start of review: September 1th, 2025, applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled. We encourage applications from women, Indigenous/Aboriginal peoples, racialized/visible minorities, persons with disabilities, and LGBTQ2+ persons*.*
The position is based at Bishop’s University and Université de Sherbrooke (Sherbrooke campus); knowledge of French is not mandatory. The scholarship will be $20,000/year (for 2 years).
Our team offers an inclusive work environment, respectful, healthy, and open to differences.
Join a young, dynamic, and welcoming research group!
Prof. Mirella Aoun
maoun@UBishops.ca
Prof. Isabelle Laforest-L
Isabelle.Laforest- Lapointe@USherbrooke.ca
Prof. Pascale Beauregard
Pascale.B.Beauregard@usherbrooke.ca
About Bishop's University
Bishop's University is a predominantly residential, undergraduate university. Our primary concern is offering students a quality education in arts, sciences, business, and education. The residential aspect and our small size (2400 full time students) encourage students to immerse themselves in the complete Bishop's Experience.
Programs Bishop's University offers B.A, B.B.A, B.Ed., B.Sc, M.A., M.Ed., M.Sc programs through three Divisions and two Schools. Please visit the academic programs section to learn more about our extensive program offerings.
Faculty Bishop's University boasts some of Canada's best university professors. Our 125 full time faculty members are involved in extensive research and publishing - however they have chosen to work at Bishop's because they love to teach and work with undergraduate students. Great emphasis is put on personal contact between students and professors through small classes and frequent use of seminars, laboratories, and tutorials.
Location Bishop's is located in the bilingual community of Lennoxville, a suburb of Sherbrooke, the 5th largest city in the province of Quebec. The Eastern Townships region offers exceptional outdoor recreational opportunities.
Campus Bishop's 550 acre campus boasts 25 buildings including seven residences, two libraries, two theatres, outstanding classrooms, laboratory and athletic facilities, an arena, a historic chapel, a music recital hall, and a daycare. A duck pond and wildlife refuge, 10 tennis courts, an outdoor pool, and a golf course are also found on campus. Campus Map
Alumni Over 11,000 individuals around the world proudly claim Bishop's University as their alma mater. Bishop's graduates are among the most cohesive and supportive alumni groups in Canada. Alumni branches around the world host events throughout the year for graduates and friends of the University.
MSc Position – Sustainable Agriculture & Microbiomes
Top Benefits
About the role
Overview
Harnessing Soil and Root Microbiomes for Sustainable Agriculture: Identifying Beneficial Microorganisms to Enhance Crop Productivity
Description. We are seeking a motivated student to join a collaborative research project between Bishop’s University (Sustainable Agriculture and Food Systems) and Université de Sherbrooke (Microbial Ecology), supported by Centre SÈVE and the Molson Foundation. The project aims to characterize soil and root microbiomes associated with crops and fruits grown under diversified and sustainable practices at the Educational Farm and the CANberries greenhouse.
Objectives
(Obj1) Manage production cycles in the greenhouse and in the field for crops grown in soils and in substrates, inoculated and uninoculated with mycorrhizae; extract DNA and sequence the full bacterial, fungal, and mycorrhizal communities using culture-independent methods.
(Obj2) Isolate key bacterial and fungal strains by culture-dependent techniques.
(Obj3) Compare mycorrhization levels and identify dominant mycorrhizal taxa in inoculated vs. non-inoculated plants.
Candidate Profile. Applicants should have a strong interest in sustainable agriculture and microbiome research. Background in sustainable agriculture, plant biology, microbiology, agronomy, bioinformatics, statistics, or metagenomics is an asset. The student will be actively involved in both production and microbial analysis components, gaining interdisciplinary experience across field, greenhouse, and laboratory settings.
Prospective candidates should contact us with the following information:
-
Letter of interest* (1 page)
-
CV
-
Unofficial transcripts
-
Contact information for 3 references
-
Please include in your letter of interest any career interruption or factor that may have influenced academic performance such as maternity leaves, family responsibilities, medical leaves, etc.
Start of review: September 1th, 2025, applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled. We encourage applications from women, Indigenous/Aboriginal peoples, racialized/visible minorities, persons with disabilities, and LGBTQ2+ persons*.*
The position is based at Bishop’s University and Université de Sherbrooke (Sherbrooke campus); knowledge of French is not mandatory. The scholarship will be $20,000/year (for 2 years).
Our team offers an inclusive work environment, respectful, healthy, and open to differences.
Join a young, dynamic, and welcoming research group!
Prof. Mirella Aoun
maoun@UBishops.ca
Prof. Isabelle Laforest-L
Isabelle.Laforest- Lapointe@USherbrooke.ca
Prof. Pascale Beauregard
Pascale.B.Beauregard@usherbrooke.ca
About Bishop's University
Bishop's University is a predominantly residential, undergraduate university. Our primary concern is offering students a quality education in arts, sciences, business, and education. The residential aspect and our small size (2400 full time students) encourage students to immerse themselves in the complete Bishop's Experience.
Programs Bishop's University offers B.A, B.B.A, B.Ed., B.Sc, M.A., M.Ed., M.Sc programs through three Divisions and two Schools. Please visit the academic programs section to learn more about our extensive program offerings.
Faculty Bishop's University boasts some of Canada's best university professors. Our 125 full time faculty members are involved in extensive research and publishing - however they have chosen to work at Bishop's because they love to teach and work with undergraduate students. Great emphasis is put on personal contact between students and professors through small classes and frequent use of seminars, laboratories, and tutorials.
Location Bishop's is located in the bilingual community of Lennoxville, a suburb of Sherbrooke, the 5th largest city in the province of Quebec. The Eastern Townships region offers exceptional outdoor recreational opportunities.
Campus Bishop's 550 acre campus boasts 25 buildings including seven residences, two libraries, two theatres, outstanding classrooms, laboratory and athletic facilities, an arena, a historic chapel, a music recital hall, and a daycare. A duck pond and wildlife refuge, 10 tennis courts, an outdoor pool, and a golf course are also found on campus. Campus Map
Alumni Over 11,000 individuals around the world proudly claim Bishop's University as their alma mater. Bishop's graduates are among the most cohesive and supportive alumni groups in Canada. Alumni branches around the world host events throughout the year for graduates and friends of the University.