Postdoctoral Fellowship eDNA

River Instiute
Cornwall

Closing Date: Jul 15, 2026

Web Address: https://riverinstitute.ca

Description

Job Posting– Postdoctoral Fellow

St. Lawrence River Institute of Environmental Sciences (River Institute) – Cornwall, Ontario

Job Opening
 

The River Institute is seeking dynamic team member as Postdoctoral Fellow for an existing new position. The River Institute has recently built new CFI-funded laboratory facilities, including dedicated eDNA labs and equipment, and is seeking an early-career scientist (e.g. postdoctoral fellow) with relevant experience to launch these new facilities and associated research program.  The candidate will lead the River Institute’s research and applied science capacity in environmental DNA (eDNA), supporting biodiversity monitoring, species-at-risk recovery, invasive species detection, and ecosystem health initiatives in the St. Lawrence River and broader Great Lakes–St. Lawrence watershed. The candidate will be responsible for the development, validation, and application of molecular assays (e.g., qPCR/ddPCR and/or metabarcoding workflows), contribute to study design and field sampling strategies, manage and analyze eDNA datasets, and translate findings into peer‑reviewed publications, technical reports, and partner-ready outputs. The role is highly collaborative, working closely with River Institute staff and external partners (e.g., academic collaborators, government agencies, and Indigenous partners) to ensure rigorous, ethical, and impactful science

 

Hours: 35 hours per week
Contract: Full-time 1 year contract (possible extension)
Anticipated start date: August or September 1^st, 2026
Wage: Yearly salary from $ 54,915– $ 66,302  (including mandatory employment benefits)
Location / work arrangement: On-site In-person (6 St. Lawrence Drive, Cornwall, Ontario)

How to Apply:
Interested candidates should send a cover letter outlining their interests and relevant experience, along with their resume to: resume@riverinstitute.ca

Closing Date: July 15th, 2026 or until a suitable candidate as been found.

Please note, applicants must currently be legally entitled to work in Canada. Only candidates selected for an interview will be contacted.

 

River Institute Background:

Located in Cornwall, Ontario, the River Institute is a not-for-profit, charitable organization dedicated to research, education, and community outreach focused on protecting and conserving the St. Lawrence River and other freshwater ecosystems. Our team is energetic and collaborative, fostering a supportive environment for staff and partners. Learn more about our work at riverinstitute.ca.

Equity, Diversity, Inclusion & Accessibility
The River Institute values a welcoming, inclusive, and barrier-free workplace. We encourage applications from members of equity-deserving groups, including Indigenous Peoples, racialized persons, persons with disabilities, women, and 2SLGBTQIA+ individuals. Accommodations are available on request for candidates taking part in all aspects of the selection process.

Position Summary
The Postdoctoral Fellow will advance the River Institute’s research and applied science capacity in environmental DNA (eDNA), supporting biodiversity monitoring, species-at-risk recovery, invasive species detection, and ecosystem health initiatives in the St. Lawrence River and broader Great Lakes–St. Lawrence watershed. The Fellow will lead and/or co-lead the development, validation, and application of molecular assays (e.g., qPCR/ddPCR and/or metabarcoding workflows), contribute to study design and field sampling strategies, manage and analyze eDNA datasets, and translate findings into peer‑reviewed publications, technical reports, and partner-ready outputs. The role is highly collaborative, working closely with River Institute staff and external partners (e.g., academic collaborators, government agencies, and Indigenous partners) to ensure rigorous, ethical, and impactful science.

Key Responsibilities

• Research leadership (eDNA methods): Lead development and optimization of eDNA laboratory workflows, including assay design, validation, and performance evaluation (e.g., sensitivity/specificity, inhibition testing, controls, contamination prevention).
• Assay development: Design and validate species-specific primer/probe assays (e.g., for species at risk and invasive species) and/or metabarcoding marker panels, as appropriate to project needs.
• Project delivery: Contribute to study design, sampling plans, and timelines; coordinate day-to-day research activities to meet internal and external deliverables.
• Field integration: Support and/or participate in field sampling for eDNA and complementary monitoring (e.g., fish community surveys), including chain-of-custody and sample handling best practices.
• Data management and analysis: Curate, analyze, and interpret eDNA datasets; develop reproducible workflows for data processing and statistical analysis; produce clear figures, tables, and summaries.
• Quality assurance: Contribute to documentation and standard operating procedures (SOPs) that support robust laboratory practice; follow applicable health and safety and biosafety requirements.
• Knowledge mobilization: Prepare peer‑reviewed manuscripts, conference presentations, and partner-facing reports/briefing materials; communicate results to technical and non-technical audiences.
• Grant and proposal support: Contribute to funding applications and project proposals (methods, work plans, budgets/justifications where applicable) and support partnership development.
• Training and mentorship: Provide guidance and mentorship to students, interns, and staff engaged in eDNA work; support training activities for collaborators as needed.
• Collaboration: Work collaboratively with internal teams and external partners to align research outputs with program priorities and community/partner needs.

Required Qualifications

• PhD completed within the last 5 years (or near completion at time of appointment) in biology, ecology, conservation genetics/genomics, molecular ecology, environmental sciences, or a related field.
• Demonstrated experience with eDNA methods and molecular techniques (e.g., DNA extraction, qPCR, library preparation and sequencing workflows, primer/probe design, contamination control).
• Strong quantitative and analytical skills, including experience with statistical analysis and reproducible workflows (e.g., R and/or Python).
• Track record of scientific writing (e.g., peer-reviewed publications, thesis chapters, technical reports) and the ability to communicate complex results clearly.
• Ability to work independently, manage multiple priorities, and deliver results on schedule in a collaborative environment.
• Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to work respectfully with diverse partners, including community and Indigenous partners.
• Valid driver’s licence and ability to travel for fieldwork/meetings as required (or willingness to obtain prior to start date).

Preferred Assets

• Experience with qPCR and/or targeted capture/metabarcoding bioinformatics pipelines (e.g., DADA2/QIIME2 or similar).
• Experience designing and validating assays for species-at-risk monitoring and/or invasive species detection in freshwater systems.
• Familiarity with QA/QC frameworks (e.g., ISO 17025-aligned documentation, laboratory information management systems, chain-of-custody procedures).
• Experience collaborating across organizations (e.g., universities, government agencies, NGOs) and contributing to partnership-based research programs.
• Experience contributing to grant writing and/or leading components of funded research projects.
• Experience with field sampling in aquatic environments and/or integrating eDNA with complementary monitoring methods.

Working Conditions & Requirements

• Work will include laboratory and office-based duties, with periodic fieldwork in variable weather conditions and occasional work outside standard hours during field seasons or project deadlines.
• Must be able to follow laboratory health and safety requirements, including safe handling of chemicals and biological materials; WHMIS training (or willingness to complete).
• Ability to perform tasks requiring manual dexterity and sustained attention to detail (e.g., pipetting, sample processing).
• Use of personal protective equipment (PPE) as required.
• Occasional travel for partner meetings, workshops, conferences, and field sites.

Reporting Relationships & Collaboration
The Postdoctoral Fellow (eDNA) will report to the Program Leader, Research & Technical Services (or designate) and will work closely with the Analytical Services & QA/QC Officer for day-to-day coordination of laboratory operations, as applicable. The Fellow will collaborate with River Institute research staff and external partners, including academic collaborators, government agencies, and Indigenous partners.