Help resolve one of the big challenges in entomology!
The damage to our vegetable crops caused by aphids, especially through the transmission of disease, makes them one of the most significant insect pests. Controlling these diverse and abundant pests requires an understanding of their population sizes.
We are seeking to quantify the diversity and abundance of tens of thousands of insects.
The CÉROM (Grain Research Center) and the University of Montreal are recruiting a master’s student to develop high-throughput molecular methods for sorting and identifying aphids responsible for viral transmission in Quebec’s vegetable crops.
CONTEXT
Quebec’s vegetable crops suffer significant damage from two major viruses: Cucumber mosaic virus (CMV) and Potyvirus. Viral epidemics may be linked to exceptionally high populations of soybean aphids. As part of the project, intensive collecting was carried out in cucurbit and soybean fields located in two highly affected regions. In two years, approximately 150,000 aphids were captured.
However, specimen identification remains a challenge, especially for species of the genus Aphis, including key pests such as the cotton aphid (Aphis gossypii) and the soybean aphid (Aphis glycines): 75% of the specimens collected belong to this genus.
OBJECTIVES
The master’s project will (1) develop a molecular biology (PCR) protocol for identifying thousands of aphid specimens responsible for transmitting Cucumber mosaic virus and Potyviruses, and (2) study aphid population dynamics to determine their involvement in virus transmission.
MAIN ACTIVITIES
• DNA extraction from batches of varying sizes (1 to 1,000 specimens) and optimization of PCR protocols
• Illumina DNA sequencing and bioinformatic sorting and identification of sequences
• Calibration of the number of individuals according to the number of sequencing reads and analysis of species populations in virus transmission.
IMPORTANT INFORMATION
• Research Director: Colin Favret, professor at the University of Montreal
• Co-director: Sébastien Boquel, researcher at CÉROM
• Academic curriculum: students must enroll in the biological sciences program at the University of Montreal and meet the associated requirements. UdeM is a French-language university: proficiency in French is not a requirement for the studentship but will be a consideration.
• Research environment: work will be carried out mainly at the University of Montreal (IRBV: on the grounds of the Montreal Botanical Garden) and at CÉROM (Saint-Mathieu-de-Beloeil). The project involves handling insect specimens, molecular biology, and bioinformatics. Work will be carried out exclusively in the laboratory (no fieldwork).
• Scholarship: $18,000/year funded by MITACS and the Ministère de l’Agriculture, des Pêcheries et de l’Alimentation as part of the Innovation bioalimentaire Program. Other scholarships and contracts (e.g., teaching assistantships) are available.
• Project duration: 2 years.
• Start date: January 2026 or as soon as possible.
QUALIFICATIONS
• Bachelor’s degree in biology, agronomy, entomology, bioinformatics, or a related field.
• Student must demonstrate adequate knowledge of entomology and good skills in molecular biology and bioinformatics.
YOU SHOULD POSSESS
• Scientific rigour and conscientiousness
• Autonomy, versatility, and resourcefulness
• Dynamism and creativity
• Organizational and prioritization skills
• Capacity for analysis and synthesis
• Excellent written and oral communication
TO APPLY
Please send (1) your resume, (2) a cover letter of no more than one page, (3) your college transcript(s), and
(4) the names and contact information of two references to Sébastien Boquel (sebastien.boquel@cerom.qc.ca). The review of applications will begin on December 8 and will end when the position is filled. If you have any questions or would like more information, please contact Sébastien Boquel or Colin Favret (colin.favret@umontreal.ca).