MSc position available in Conservation Genetics I am seeking an outstanding MSc student in the field of conservation genetics in the Department of Forest and Wildlife Ecology at the University of Wisconsin, Madison. Current research in my lab focuses on characterizing demographic history and understanding the effects of habitat fragmentation on threatened species. In doing so, we typically integrate field, genetic, and population modeling approaches to identify factors limiting populations, understand/predict the genetic and demographic consequences of limiting factors, and provide managers and policy makers with the information needed to make informed management decisions.
The students thesis will involve characterizing adaptive genetic variation in the Marbled Murrelet, specifically at the major histocompatibility complex (MHC). The Marbled Murrelet is a federally threatened seabird that nests primarily in coastal old-growth forests along the west coast of North America. Fragmentation of old-growth forests and increasing predator populations have resulted in a number of geographically isolated and declining populations. Previous work based on neutral (microsatellite) genetic markers has detected little genetic variation across the species range. Adaptive markers, such as MHC, that are under the influence of natural selection may yield finer-scale among-population differentiation and have implications for the current proposal to remove murrelets from the threatened species list. Samples have already been collected and this will be a lab based project. This work will be conducted in collaboration with Dr. Vicki Friesen at Queens University. Applicants should possess a B.Sc. in Conservation Biology or closely related field and have a strong background in molecular laboratory techniques, particularly bacterial cloning and DNA sequencing. Funding is in place for two years of graduate student support ($19,000/year + tuition waiver) and laboratory expenses, with potential for additional funding through teaching assistantships. To be considered for this position, please send a cover letter outlining your interests and research background, a curriculum vitae (including GPA and GRE scores), and contact information for three professional references (name, email, phone, address) as either a PDF or MS Word file to mpe...@wisc.edu with Marbled Murrelet MHC Application in the subject line. The selected student is expected to enroll in the Department of Forest and Wildlife Ecology in August 2009 for the fall semester. Applicants must also apply to the MSc program in the Department of Forest and Wildlife Ecology (http://forestandwildlifeecology.wisc.edu/grad.htm) and the UW Graduate School (http://info.gradsch.wisc.edu/education/admissions/). Application materials will be accepted until April 1, 2009 or until a suitable candidate is found. For more info, contact: Zach Peery Assistant Professor Department of Forest and Wildlife Ecology University of Wisconsin, Madison Madison, WI 53706 Phone: 608-890-2766 mpe...@wisc.edu http://forestandwildlifeecology.wisc.edu/facstaff/peery.html
