COMMUNITY GEOGRAPHY & GIS
GRADUATE & POSTDOC OPPORTUNITIES

Positions: Student and post-doctoral positions

Program: Community Resiliency through Informal Science Partnerships (CRISP)
Universities: Trent University | Western University
Location: Able to work in laboratories in Peterborough or London and travel to communities around Ontario

Dr. Don Lafreniere (Eddie Goldenberg Research Chair of Canada in Community Geography) at Trent University and Dr. Jason Gilliland (Professor & Director of the Human Environments Analysis Lab) at Western University invite applications for MA/MSc, PhD, and Postdocs to collaborate on an ambitious new research program in Community Geography & GIS!

We are looking to recruit multiple dynamic and enthusiastic individuals to join the Community Resiliency through Informal Science Partnerships (CRISP) program, a new initiative that changes the way scientists, communities, and youth work together to strengthen local knowledge and community resilience. CRISP tackles gaps in employment, education, and skills among youth. You will work with youth across Canada to develop and undertake research projects on issues of critical importance to communities, such as climate change adaptation and hazards, housing, urban inequalities, sustainable transportation, food insecurity, and watershed health, among many others.

At the heart of the program is the GeoBus, a mobile geospatial lab that brings advanced geospatial and GIS field equipment, computing, and training directly into communities. There, youth collect data, run analyses, and share findings with local partners. As a CRISP associate, you will co-develop the program with leading researchers and educators from across North America, including the Eddie Goldenberg Research Chair in Community Geography. You'll work at the cutting edge of geospatial environmental, social, and urban research as part of a large, dynamic, interdisciplinary team. You'll also mentor youth as they lead community meetings, build technical and career-readiness skills, and present recommendations to their communities based on their evidence.

The positions are available starting Summer 2027 and beyond and will be for an initial period of 2 years with potential to renew annually for up to 5 years.

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Anticipated Annual Funding Packages:

• MA/MSc: $27,000 plus tuition support
• PhD: $40,000 plus tuition support
• Post-Doctoral Associates: Minimum $70,000 plus benefits

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We are building a team with a diversity of backgrounds, experiences, skills, and interests including:

• Community-engaged and/or participatory action research approaches
• Experience and/or interest in working with youth and historically excluded and underrepresented groups
• Experience and/or interest in geographical or geospatial methods, techniques, or technologies
• A passion for team-based research, collaboration, mentorship, and social impact

Ideal candidates for MA, MSc, and PhD positions will have:

• Excellent written and oral communication in English. Multilingualism is an asset.
• Completed an undergraduate or MA/MSc thesis or similar major research product.
• Some experience in geography, GIS, geomatics, environmental studies, urban planning, public health, or related social sciences.
• Ability to work in research labs located in Peterborough or London, Ontario.

Ideal candidates for post-doctoral associate positions will also have:

• A clear emerging track record of peer-reviewed publications.
• Experience writing funding applications (i.e., grants, graduate scholarships).
• Experience supervising and mentoring staff and/or students.
• Excellent personal time management, project management, and organizational skills.

Preliminary expressions of interest should be submitted to communitygeography@trentu.ca with the subject line “Community Geography Associate Positions”.

Include your CV and a very brief cover letter that outlines who you are, what you are interested in, and why you are a good fit for the CRISP team. Review will begin November 2026 and continue until the positions are filled.

Those interested in MA, MSc, and PhD positions are encouraged to review the program application requirements at Trent University and Western University respectively:

Trent:

Sustainability Studies MA
Anthropology MA or MSc
Applied Modelling & Quantitative Methods MA or MSc
Canadian Studies & Indigenous Studies MA, PhD
Environmental & Life Sciences MSc, PhD
Interdisciplinary Social Research PhD

Western:

Geography and Environment MA MSc, PhD
Epidemiology and Biostatistics MSc, PhD
Health & Rehabilitation Sciences MSc, PhD

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