The Zimmer Lab at UNB Saint John is recruiting MSc and PhD students in aquatic physiology and toxicology. Here’s what the lab studies, how to approach Dr. Zimmer, and what African applicants should clarify about funding before applying.
If you’re a science graduate hoping to do research-based postgraduate study in Canada, a funded position in an active research lab can be just as valuable as a named scholarship, sometimes more so. The Zimmer Lab at the University of New Brunswick’s Saint John campus is one such option, and it regularly looks for motivated students to join its work on how fish survive in challenging environments.
The lab is led by Dr. Alex Zimmer and sits within the Department of Biological Sciences at UNB Saint John. It’s also part of the Canadian Rivers Institute, which opens up extra collaborative opportunities for students based in the lab. The research focus is aquatic physiology and toxicology, essentially, understanding how fish bodies cope with acidity, salinity, and pollution.
One thing to be clear about upfront: this is a research position that depends on available funding, not a fixed scholarship with a set amount and deadline. That distinction matters, especially for international applicants, and we’ll come back to it below. Read this as a guide to a genuine opportunity worth pursuing with eyes open about what you’ll need to confirm directly with the lab.
What this opportunity offers
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- Graduate research positions at the MSc and PhD level, with the lab also open to Honours BSc and undergraduate involvement.
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- Membership in a multidisciplinary department and affiliation with the Canadian Rivers Institute, meaning broader collaboration beyond a single supervisor.
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- Research projects with flexibility to fit a candidate’s own interests, spanning the ecophysiology of fish in naturally acidic lakes, the genetic basis of salinity tolerance in estuarine fish, and how coastal and inland fish adapt to pollution.
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- A base in Saint John, New Brunswick, a port city next to the Bay of Fundy, with parks and nature reserves close by, which suits students drawn to fieldwork and the outdoors.
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- Funding details: Not specified check the official page. Positions are described as available depending on funding, so the amount and source must be confirmed with the supervisor.
Eligibility checklist
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- You hold (or are completing) a relevant degree in biology, biological sciences, or a closely related field, suited to MSc or PhD research in aquatic physiology and toxicology.
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- You can clearly describe research interests that align with the lab’s work, fish responses to acidity, salinity, ionoregulation, or pollution tolerance.
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- You have an academic CV or resume ready, plus a summary of your academic background and, where relevant, your technical or lab skills.
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- For undergraduate involvement, you can supply a copy of your transcripts and explain your interest in the lab’s research.
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- Important for international applicants: the lab encourages prospective students to apply for NSERC scholarships, but most NSERC awards (such as the Undergraduate Student Research Award and postgraduate scholarships) require Canadian citizenship or permanent residency. This is general guidance, not a lab-specific rule — confirm with Dr. Zimmer what funding routes are open to international students before assuming NSERC is available to you.
Application tips for African students
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- Lead with a focused, tailored email. The application route here is a direct approach to the supervisor, not an online form. Address Dr. Zimmer by name, keep it concise, and make it obvious you’ve read about the lab’s actual projects rather than sending a generic mass email.
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- Name the research that excites you. The lab spans acidic-environment adaptation, developmental osmoregulation, ionoregulation, and pollution tolerance. Pick the thread that genuinely interests you and explain why specificity signals you’ll be a committed student, not just someone looking for any funded spot.
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- Get your funding questions in early and honestly. Since positions depend on funding, ask directly what’s available for international students. Supervisor research grants, teaching or research assistantships, or UNB graduate funding rather than relying on NSERC awards you may not qualify for.
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- Prepare certified, translated documents in advance. Transcripts and certificates from African institutions often need official certification or English translation before a Canadian university will process them. Start this early, because it can take weeks
- Sort out English-language proof in good time. Canadian graduate programs taught in English typically require a test such as IELTS or TOEFL. The exact requirement isn’t stated in this source, so check UNB’s admission pages and book your test early, as slots and results take time.
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- Line up strong academic referees. Approach lecturers or supervisors who know your research ability and give them plenty of notice. A supervisor considering you for a funded position will weigh references seriously.
- Apply early, positions fill on a rolling basis. There’s no fixed deadline; the lab fills openings with the first suitable candidates. Reaching out sooner rather than later genuinely improves your odds.
How to apply
To be considered, email Dr. Alex Zimmer directly at alex.zimmer@unb.ca. Include a brief statement of your research interests, a summary of your academic background, and a CV or resume; for research-focused roles, a list of your technical skills helps too. Prospective undergraduate students should contact Dr. Zimmer directly, be ready to describe their interest in the lab’s work, and have a copy of their transcripts available. There is no application portal and no fixed deadline. Applications are accepted on an ongoing basis, and positions are filled by the first suitable candidate, so it’s worth getting in touch early. You can read the lab’s own description of available positions on the Zimmer Lab opportunities page.
Frequently asked questions
Is this a fully funded scholarship?
No. It’s a research position that depends on available funding rather than a named scholarship with a fixed value. The source states that positions are available “depending on funding,” and the exact funding amount and source are not specified. Confirm the details directly with the supervisor before applying.
Who can apply?
The lab welcomes prospective Honours BSc, MSc, and PhD students with a relevant background and research interests that match its work in aquatic physiology and toxicology. Postdoctoral researchers with their own funding are also encouraged to inquire.
What does the lab research?
Its work centres on how fish cope with environmental stress including adaptation to acidic environments, developmental osmoregulation, mechanisms of ionoregulation, and toxicology and pollution tolerance. Specific projects mentioned include fish in naturally acidic lakes, salinity tolerance in estuarine fish, and pollution adaptation in coastal and inland fish.
Can international students get NSERC funding through this lab?
The lab encourages students to apply for NSERC scholarships, but most NSERC awards require Canadian citizenship or permanent residency, which generally excludes international applicants. African students should ask the supervisor about alternative funding open to international students rather than counting on NSERC.
What is the deadline?
There is no fixed deadline. Applications are accepted on an ongoing basis, and positions are filled by the first suitable candidate, so applying early is to your advantage.
How do I apply?
Email Dr. Alex Zimmer at alex.zimmer@unb.ca with your research interests, academic background, and CV. Undergraduates should also have their transcripts ready. See the Zimmer Lab opportunities page for the lab’s own guidance.