A PhD position in the field of fish ecology is available in the lab of Dr. Benjamin Walther at Texas A&M University - Corpus Christi (TAMU-CC). Positions will start in Fall 2017. Research topics are flexible, but would generally fall within current lab interests, including: fish migration, habitat use and trophic dynamics; hypoxia effects on fishes; otolith chemistry and stable isotopes; and chemical marking techniques for aquaculture applications.
The PhD position will be supported through the Marine Biology degree program at TAMU-CC. Information about this program is online at http://marinebiology.tamucc.edu/ Interested students should send: (1) a CV, (2) copies of unofficial transcripts and (3) a cover letter describing experience, potential research interests, and general career goals to Dr. Benjamin Walther at benjamin.walt...@tamucc.edu ABOUT THE LAB: We conduct research on a variety of topics related to fish ecology, migration, habitat use and population connectivity. This work generally focuses on using the “natural tag” properties of carbonate hard parts such as otoliths in marine and diadromous fishes to examine patterns of migration, dispersal, and life history dynamics of species with mobile phases. This field has grown exponentially in the past couple of decades, yet significant unknowns remain about highly migratory or dispersive species, particularly in the marine environment. Otolith chemistry has the potential to reveal key information about identity and movement patterns that is essential for the effective management of exploited species and ecosystems. We are located at Texas A&M University - Corpus Christi in the Department of Life Sciences. We collaborate with the Texas Parks and Wildlife CCA Marine Development Center in Corpus Christi, TX for experimental work with larval and juvenile fishes. We also work closely with members of the University of Texas Jackson School of Geosciences, which houses an array of analytical instruments including laser ablation ICP-MS (multiple and single collectors), TIMS, and isotope ratio mass spectrometers. Further information about the Walther Lab can be found online at: www.sites.google.com/site/waltherfishlab
