We are inviting applications for PhD positions with a start date of September 2025 to be based at York University, in the Faculty of Environmental and Urban Change, in Toronto, Canada, and in partnership with the International Ecological Footprint Learning Lab.
About the International Ecological Footprint Learning Lab
The International Ecological Footprint Learning Lab (IEFLL) is an initiative aimed at addressing the pressing challenges of the Anthropocene. With humanity's resource demand surpassing the planet's resource capacity, it is vital to train a new generation of sustainability leaders equipped with the skills to navigate big data and drive just and equitable transitions.
This interdisciplinary project is focused on the measurement and application of Ecological Footprint and Biocapacity, with an integration of empirical research and justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion (DEDI) to foster a scientifically informed, just, and sustainable transition through an international partnership of academics and practitioners.
The partnership empowers researchers to advance the measurement and application of Ecological Footprint and Biocapacity, to inform policy and advocacy work, and to explore the complex interactions within social-economic-ecological systems. We also emphasize the relevance of qualitative research on DEDI, spatial scaling, and adaptation to emerging climate change issues. Join us to help shape a future where humans and the biosphere thrive in balance, tackling global ecological crises head-on through innovative research, inclusive training, collaboration, and outreach.
About the ES PhD program: Faculty of Environmental and Urban Change
How to apply:
In advance of applying to the program, interested applicants should email Eric Miller with an initial statement of interest. Expect that Eric may reply with an invitation to an online meeting to discuss interests and to receive feedback on applying to the program. Note that a “good fit” with the Ecological Footprint Learning Lab does not guarantee admission in the PhD Program in Environmental Studies.
A formal application to the PhD program in Environmental Studies at York University must be received through an application at: https://futurestudents.yorku.ca/graduate/apply-now/
Funding: PhD students receive an attractive funding package from York University and from the Faculty of Environmental and Urban Change. Supplemental funding is offered from the International Ecological Footprint Learning Lab as a Research Assistant.
Project funding of PhD students is focused on supporting one of four research themes:
Simulation modelling and metrics: scenarios and projections of Ecological Footprint and Biocapacity, material flows and circular economics, planetary boundaries, stock-flow-consistent ecological macroeconomics, applying extended input-output analysis
Responsive scaling: derivations of Ecological Footprint and Biocapacity across various geographical scales or socioeconomic strata, with the use and integration of earth observation data or data that is not spatially explicit but does relate to specific scales or strata.
Community applications: engaging with individuals and groups of people to understand how data can be generated and be applied and communicated to support changes in footprint and wellbeing and alignment with other mutual interests and values.
National applications: improving upon the methodology of deriving and applying National Ecological Footprint and Biocapacity Accounts and how this interfaces with other systems of national accounting including Ecosystem Accounts and economic accounts within the System of Environmental Accounting (SEEA).
Our project's priority for admissions in 2025 is with simulation models and metrics.
We are particularly keen for an outstanding PhD candidate to join a research group working on ecological macroeconomics. LowGrow SFC is one of several ecological macroeconomic models designed to explore alternative long-term trajectories for economies, including environmental, social, economic, and financial variable. The research group is working on ways to improve LowGrow SFC, especially regarding inclusion of the ecological footprint, material and energy flows, income and wealth distribution, the incorporation of dynamic input-output analysis, and various other socio-economic-environmental dimensions.
The ideal candidate should possess a strong academic background in ecological macroeconomics in which the economy is understood as a sub-system of the planet. They should be competent in modelling dynamic systems, geomatics, handling and analysing large economic and environmental databases, and a keen interest in furthering knowledge and understanding of economic/social/environmental systems. The successful candidate will be expected to develop innovative approaches that will enhance LowGrow SFC, possibly transforming it entirely, using spatial environmental and socio-economic data, and produce and disseminate scenarios intended to stimulate a broader discussion of possible and desirable futures. Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, as well as the ability to work collaboratively are also highly valued. The selected candidate will have the opportunity to contribute to pioneering research that addresses pressing environmental, economic, and social challenges.
