a downloadable version of this post is available here
We are recruiting a fully funded PhD or MSc student for a project that bridges cutting edge environmental modeling, environmental valuation, remote sensing, and internationally relevant policy. Economic activity relies on clean air, water, a stable climate, and numerous natural resources, yet this support is often overlooked in decision-making, leading to suboptimal provision of public goods like flood regulation, habitat provision, and climate regulation. The student’s work will help inform methods used within Statistics Canada’s Census of Environment program, Canada’s implementation of the United Nations’ System of Environmental Economic Accounting (SEEA) framework.
We seek a student start the Fall 2026 to work on these challenges by developing innovative methods to model and measure the value of natural capital and ecosystems to urban residents in Canada.
Competitive applicants will have relevant coursework and project-based experience (MS applicants) plus thesis writing and research experience (PhD applicants). Applicants should have interest and experience in one or more of the following:
Geospatial data science, remote sensing, or spatial data analysis
Environmental economic theory
Econometrics & statistics
As an MS or PhD student, you will:
Gain additional and valuable skills in cutting edge data science, remote sensing, statistics, and spatial analysis
Work directly with the policy community to impact real-world decision-making
Collaborate with internationally recognized leaders in natural capital accounting
Propose new methods for Statistics Canada’s Census of Environment
McGill University is among the top ranked research institutions in the world and located in the heart of downtown Montréal, Quebec, a vibrant multicultural city with an amazing culinary scene, diverse nightlife, liveable neighborhoods, and abundant urban nature. In addition to being a scientific and academic hub, Montréal is known for its culture of work-life balance and easy access to numerous outdoor recreation opportunities.
Interested applicants should contact brian.e.robinson@mcgill.ca with their academic CV, background, and interests. Shortlisted candidates will be contacted. Note McGill graduate applications are due 15 Jan 2026 for full consideration.