A three-institution collaborative project between Université de Montréal, UQAM and Queen's University studying how hydroclimatic volatility — clustered floods, droughts and whiplash events — changes under warming. Two PhD positions and one MSc position available.
This FRQNT/NSERC-funded collaboration uses convection-permitting climate models (CPMs) alongside RCMs and GCMs to study hydroclimate extremes over Northeast North America. Three positions: Project 1 (PhD, UQAM, Prof. Lucas-Picher) on precipitation extremes and clustering; Project 2 (PhD, UdeM, Prof. Berg) on land surface water cycle under intensified volatility; Project 3 (MSc, Queen's, Prof. Seiler) on soil moisture–precipitation feedbacks using Granger causality and convergent cross mapping. Strong EDI commitment — applications from underrepresented groups actively welcomed. The three students are expected to collaborate closely across institutions.
MSc (for PhD positions) or BSc (for MSc position) in atmospheric science, physical geography, hydrology, environmental science or similar. Scientific programming experience preferred. English proficiency required; French is an asset but not required at the PhD level.
Heads up: eligibility rules and deadlines change each cycle. Always cross-check the official application portal before you submit.
Decide which of the three projects best fits your background — Project 1 (UQAM, precipitation extremes), Project 2 (UdeM, land surface), or Project 3 (Queen's, land-atmosphere feedbacks).
Draft a letter of interest that names the specific project and PI and connects your skills to that project's methods.
Prepare a CV showing your degrees, research experience, scientific programming (Python/R) skills and any prior work with climate model output or observational datasets.
Request university transcripts from every institution you've studied at.
Identify three referees who can speak to your research potential.
Email your application to the PI for your project of choice (alexis.maximilien.berg@umontreal.ca, lucas-picher.philippe@uqam.ca, or christian.seiler@queensu.ca). Mention Canadian citizenship/permit status up front.
Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis, so earlier is better. The August 16 date is a latest deadline, not a target.
Most rejected applications fail on test scores, not credentials. Get a PBridge tutor to prepare you for the exams required for this scholarship.
Yes. All three positions are open to international applicants. Canadian study permits are required, and applicants must indicate in their email whether they're already in Canada or will need a permit. The PIs support students through the visa process.
For the PhD positions at UQAM and UdeM, French is an asset but not required — the research work is done in English. For the MSc at Queen's University (Ontario), French is not relevant. Most Nigerian applicants apply in English successfully.
CA$22,000-40,000 per year depending on the specific degree level and PI funding package. Additional support is typically available through institutional, provincial (FRQNT), and federal (NSERC) scholarships, which the PIs will help you apply for.
For the two PhD positions — yes, an MSc (or equivalent) is required. For the MSc position at Queen's, a BSc is sufficient. If you're a strong BSc candidate interested in a PhD, contact the PIs to ask whether a direct-entry PhD path might work.
Flexible. PhD positions at UQAM/UdeM can start Fall 2026 or Winter 2027. The MSc at Queen's has even more flexibility — Fall 2026 through Fall 2027. Apply once you have your Master's/Bachelor's in hand or about to complete.
Deadline: August 16, 2026
Apply on Official Site →