Opportunities in the Weir Lab
The Weir lab studies biodiversity. We also value the diversity of our lab personnel. Diversity arises from differences in lived experience and viewpoint which contribute intellectual breadth and depth to our lab. The Weir lab promotes a safe space free of harassment for all our members including those from the First Nations, Black, Jewish, LGBT, Muslim, Asian, and other minority communities. We have been blessed to have had members from each of these communities in the lab. We encourage members of these communities together with members from non-minority groups in our society to apply for lab positions that become available.
The Weir Lab is committed to equal opportunity based on merit for all applicants regardless of their background. Merit is judged not only by achieving a high academic standing, but by other metrics of productivity such as a solid record of past employment and progress in developing skills needed as a biologist. Those applying for graduate work are generally expected to have obtained a driver's license, will have basic field skills (exposure to camping, orienteering, hiking), ideally will have some experience identifying birds, and ideally will have had some exposure to programming.
Post-doctoral Fellows
UTSC offers a competative fellowship for prospective Post-doctoral fellows. NSERC postdoctoral fellowships are available to Canadians and the NSERC Graham Bell postdoctoral fellowship is available to both Canadians and international applications. Other fellowships may be available. Contanct me for more details.
Graduate Students
Prospectve PhD students should e-mail a CV (including a statement of research interests), an example of academic writing (preferably a publication if a MSc has already been completed), copies of academic transcripts (undergrad and MSc if applicable), and a brief statement of programming experience (in R or other) or other skillsets (mist netting, bird identification). The Weir lab has been fortunate to have a number of international students join the lab, drawn mostly from Central and South America where much of our lab's research focus occurs. Many countries in this region offer competative fellowships to study abroad and prospective students should apply for these.
Undergraduate opportunities
Undergraduate opportunities include independent research courses (BIOB98 and BIOD98). Interested UTSC students should have a strong academic transcript (generally an "-A" average) and have an interest in genetics, ecology, or evolution. BIOD98 students must apply in August and September of the year of study. BIOB98 students may apply just prior to each semester.
Volunteer opportunities
We are not able to accommodate volunteers in the lab at this time.