[ECOLOG-L] PhD project on foraging behaviour and population ecology of Canada lynx in Yukon
PhD project on foraging behaviour and population ecology of Canada lynx in Yukon. Institution: Trent University, Peterborough, Ontario, Canada (www.trentu.ca) Supervisors: Dennis Murray (http://www.dennismurray.ca) and Stan Boutin (https://www.ualberta.ca/science/about-us/contact- us/faculty-directory/stan-boutin) We are seeking a PhD student to assess lynx foraging behavior and population ecology near Kluane Lake, Yukon. Our research on lynx and their prey in the Kluane region spans decades, and the current project builds on our recent re-analysis of the functional response of lynx to different prey types and how such relationships are more complex than previously thought (see Chan et al. 2017 Ecology DOI:10.1002/ecy.1828). Specifically, through lynx GPS telemetry and accelerometry, camera trap surveys, as well as assessment of prey distribution and abundance, we aim to understand the mechanisms underlying lynx interactions with their primary (snowshoe hare) and secondary (red squirrel) prey, and how such interactions affect lynx population ecology through space and time. To date, lynx have been studied intensively for 2 winters during a period of relative abundance of prey, with an anticipated crash in snowshoe hare numbers and corresponding changes in lynx foraging behavior, expected during the next 2 years. These anticipated changes set the stage for robust analysis of variation in lynx: 1) kill rates and movement patterns; 2) exploitation of prey habitat patches; and 3) interactions with conspecifics. The PhD student will have the opportunity to develop specific research questions within the scope of the larger project and be part of a dynamic group of researchers from 4 Canadian universities. The funding package includes a competitive stipend, foreign tuition waiver (if the student is not a Canadian citizen or permanent resident) as well as coverage of all research expenses. Successful candidates will have an MSc in Ecology, Conservation Biology, or related field, demonstrated evidence of peer-reviewed publications, strong field skills (preferably including carnivore radio-telemetry, chemical immobilization and winter fieldwork), and analysis of GPS telemetry datasets. The successful candidate must be competitive for scholarship funding and be excited about working in a remote field station in the winter for extended periods of time. To apply, send a cover letter, curriculum vitae, unofficial academic transcript, and contact information for 3 references, to: Dennis Murray (dennismur...@trentu.ca). The successful candidate will begin enrolment by September 2017 or January 2018, and we will accept applications until a suitable candidate is found, so apply early.
[ECOLOG-L] PhD project on boreal forest responses to climate change
Institution: Trent University, Peterborough, Ontario, Canada (www.trentu.ca) Supervisor: Dennis Murray (http://www.dennismurray.ca) We are initiating a PhD project to assess responses to climate change among native species in Canada’s boreal forest. The boreal forest comprises Canada’s largest biome but its state is rapidly deteriorating, including due to climate change. Our recent findings (Row et al. 2012 Glob. Chan. Biol doi:10./gcb.12526; Murray et al., PLoS (ONE), in press) forecast dire consequences to the boreal forest especially in the boundary region between Ontario-Quebec where disjunct east-west populations of native plants, birds, and mammals, and extensive loss of native biodiversity, likely will arise. Through field sampling, species distribution modeling, population viability analysis, and landscape genetics and adaptive genomics, the PhD student will determine: 1) the current and potential future extent of change in boreal species in the Ontario-Quebec region relative to less-impacted areas; 2) how boreal breakdown may affect population processes and viability of native species in the region; 3) whether invasives are colonizing the region disproportionately quickly compared to other regions; and 4) if native or invasive species in the region demonstrate genome-level evidence of stress or adaptation to environmental change. The PhD student will have the opportunity to develop specific research questions within the scope of the larger project. The funding package includes a competitive stipend, foreign tuition waiver (if the student is not a Canadian citizen or permanent resident) as well coverage of all research expenses. Successful candidates will have an MSc in Ecology, Conservation Biology, or related field, demonstrated evidence of peer-reviewed publications, strong quantitative, genetics, and/or field skills, and an interest in working collaboratively as part of a larger group. The PhD student will join the Integrative Wildlife Conservation laboratory at Trent University (www.dennismurray.ca) and be part of an interdisciplinary team addressing innovative solutions to environmental change (www.create- enviro.ca). To apply, send a cover letter, curriculum vitae, unofficial academic transcript, and contact information for 3 references, to: Dennis Murray (dennismur...@trentu.ca). The successful candidate will begin enrolment at Trent University by September 2017 or January 2018, and we will accept applications until a suitable candidate is found, so apply early.
[ECOLOG-L] Post-Doctoral Fellowship (Course development/Teaching/Research) in Biological/Environmental Monitoring and Assessment
Post-Doctoral Fellowship (Course development/Teaching/Research) in Biological/Environmental Monitoring and Assessment Location: Trent University, Peterborough, Ontario, Canada Timing and duration: Available immediately, duration 2-3 years We are currently seeking a highly motivated Post-Doctoral Fellow to assist with development and delivery of new online graduate programming in biological/environmental monitoring and assessment, and secondarily to pursue research in the successful applicant’s area of expertise, including: wildlife conservation; environmental monitoring; population analysis; landscape genetics; or environmental policy analysis. Trent University is developing a new course-based graduate program in Environmental Monitoring and Assessment, along with a companion thesis- based MSc program in Biological Monitoring and Assessment. We require a PDF to spearhead development of two or more of the following online graduate courses: Principles in Environmental Monitoring and Assessment; Current Topics in Environmental Monitoring and Assessment; Science Communication for Environmental Professionals; Applied Data Analysis; and Environmental Policy Assessment. There may be additional courses that are available for development depending on the PDFs expertise/interest. The PDF will develop courses during 2017 and teach courses during their initial run in 2018 (and possibly 2019). In addition, the PDF will have the opportunity to conduct funded research in a relevant area of their choice. Trent University is well-placed to host a wide range of biological/environmental research, for example, our recent PDFs have worked on: amphibian responses to environmental stressors; landscape genetics and spatial analysis of wildlife; species responses to climate change; conservation policy analysis; and analysis of long-term ecological datasets. A variety of other research avenues also are possible, and the successful applicant will have the opportunity to develop his/her own research interests within the scope of the broader program. This position represents a unique opportunity for a PDF to participate in graduate program development while honing a well-rounded background and highly marketable skills including course development, online teaching, and research. The PDF also will have the opportunity to interact directly with graduate students in a collaborative and mentoring capacity. Applicants must have a PhD in Biology, Ecology, Environmental Science or a related field. Candidates must demonstrate a commitment to course development and teaching, preferably in an online context, as well as relevant research experience. Candidates are expected to demonstrate a strong work ethic and willingness to work in a large, dynamic, and collaborative environment. The funding package is competitive ($47,000/year (CAD) + benefits). The position is available immediately and will be closed as soon as a suitable candidate is found. To apply, please submit: cover letter (including description of prior course development, teaching, and research experience, as well as teaching and research interests if offered the position), curriculum vitae, and names of three references to: Dennis Murray Trent University Peterborough, Ontario, CANADA (dennismurray@trentu,ca; www.dennismurray.ca).
[ECOLOG-L] Post-Doctoral Fellowship: Mechanisms of phenotypic plasticity in amphibians - Trent University
Post-Doctoral Fellowship investigating mechanisms underlying the plasticity of amphibian responses to environmental stressors - Trent University We are currently seeking a highly motivated Post-Doctoral Fellow who will examine mechanisms governing the effects of environmental stressors on phenotypic and behavioural plasticity in amphibian models. Building on our longstanding research on amphibian responses to environmental stressors (including disease, predation risk, and contaminants), we aim to further establish a mechanistic link among ecological, physiological, and genome-level responses in amphibian tadpoles to natural or human- caused stressors. We are especially interested in building a bioinformatics approach to help identify the mechanisms involved in stressor-induced phenotypic and behavioural plasticity. Our preliminary work indicates differences in gene expression that are related to tadpole exposure to different stressors, and our next challenge is to establish the functional link between expressed genes and type of stressor. Our team has access to state-of-the-art facilities and equipment allowing us to address these cutting-edge research questions, and the successful candidate will have the opportunity to develop his/her own research interests within the scope of the broader program. Applicants must have a strong academic record and graduate degree(s) in Biology, Physiology, Ecology, Genetics or a related field. Candidates with an interest in and/or knowledge of bioinformatics platforms/resources, experience in extracting genetic material or other relevant lab procedures, and conducting lab experiments with larval amphibians, will be highly sought. Candidates should demonstrate evidence of research potential (including scientific publications), a strong work ethic, and willingness to work in a large, dynamic, and collaborative research environment. The funding package is competitive and will include a foreign tuition waiver, if the successful applicant is an international PhD student. The position will be closed as soon as a suitable candidate is found, so apply early! To apply, please submit: cover letter, unofficial transcripts, curriculum vitae, and names of three references to: Dennis Murray (dennismurray@trentu,ca; www.dennismurray.ca and Leslie Kerr; lk...@trentu.ca).
[ECOLOG-L] PhD position: Mechanisms of phenotypic plasticity in amphibians -- Trent University
PhD position investigating mechanisms underlying the plasticity of amphibian responses to environmental stressors - Trent University We are currently seeking a highly motivated PhD student who will examine mechanisms governing the effects of environmental stressors on phenotypic and behavioural plasticity in amphibian models. Building on our longstanding research on amphibian responses to environmental stressors (including disease, predation risk, and contaminants), we aim to further establish a mechanistic link among ecological, physiological, and genome-level responses in amphibian tadpoles to natural or human- caused stressors. We are especially interested in building a bioinformatics approach to help identify the mechanisms involved in stressor-induced phenotypic and behavioural plasticity. Our preliminary work indicates differences in gene expression that are related to tadpole exposure to different stressors, and our next challenge is to establish the functional link between expressed genes and type of stressor. Our team has access to state-of-the-art facilities and equipment allowing us to address these cutting-edge research questions, and the successful candidate will have the opportunity to develop his/her own research interests within the scope of the broader program. Applicants must have a strong academic record and graduate degree(s) in Biology, Physiology, Ecology, Genetics or a related field. Candidates with an interest in and/or knowledge of bioinformatics platforms/resources, experience in extracting genetic material or other relevant lab procedures, and conducting lab experiments with larval amphibians, will be highly sought. Candidates should demonstrate evidence of research potential (including scientific publications), a strong work ethic, and willingness to work in a large, dynamic, and collaborative research environment. The funding package is competitive and will include a foreign tuition waiver, if the successful applicant is an international PhD student. The position will be closed as soon as a suitable candidate is found, so apply early! To apply, please submit: cover letter, unofficial transcripts, curriculum vitae, and names of three references to: Dennis Murray (dennismurray@trentu,ca; www.dennismurray.ca and Leslie Kerr; lk...@trentu.ca).
[ECOLOG-L] PhD position or Post-Doctoral Fellowship: Carnivore responses to landscape heterogeneity - Trent University
PhD position or Post-Doctoral Fellowship investigating carnivore responses to landscape heterogeneity - Trent University We are currently seeking a highly motivated PhD student or Post-Doctoral Fellow to examine relationships between landscape heterogeneity and physiological, genetic, and genome-level variation in carnivores. Building on our 35,000+ repository of wolf, coyote, fox, lynx and bobcat fur and tissue samples, we aim to determine how carnivore stress levels, diet breadth, and genetics vary according to environmental factors like climate, habitat, or anthropogenic activity. There is further opportunity to investigate processes underlying spatio-temporal variation in patterns of dispersal and population connectivity, and the contribution of environmental variability and intrinsic features of the individual animal to such processes. Of particular interest is the role of climate change on stress levels and diet breadth, as well as potential variation in functional genes especially in environments undergoing rapid change. Our recent work (mostly on lynx and coyotes) sets the foundation for this work, and our next challenge is to develop a more comprehensive understanding of physiological-dietary-genetic linkages across carnivore species and through space and time. Our team has access to abundant samples and state-of-the-art analytical facilities and equipment to address these research questions, and the successful candidate will have the opportunity to develop his/her own research interests within the scope of the broader program. Applicants must have a strong academic record and graduate degree(s) in Biology, Physiology, Ecology, Genetics or a related field. Candidates with an interest in and/or knowledge of hormone assays, stable isotope analysis, DNA extraction, bioinformatics, or other relevant procedures, will be highly sought. Candidates should demonstrate evidence of research potential (including scientific publications), a strong work ethic, and willingness to work in a large, dynamic, and collaborative research environment. The funding package is competitive and will include a foreign tuition waiver, if the successful applicant is an international PhD student. The position will be offered through an NSERC CREATE program in Environmental Monitoring and Assessment (www.create-enviro.ca). The position will be closed as soon as a suitable candidate is found, so apply early! To apply, please submit: cover letter, unofficial transcripts, curriculum vitae, and names of three references to: Dennis Murray (dennismurray@trentu,ca; www.dennismurray.ca).
