Enthusiastic, team oriented, and self-motivated students are encouraged to apply for a Ph.D. and MSc position to work on characterizing the relationship between stream hydrology and freshwater fishes in Alberta. This project is a multi-disciplinary collaboration between the University of Alberta, Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO), Alberta Environment and Sustainable Resource Development (AESRD) and industry partners. Main project goals include: i) identifying broad scale patterns of stream hydrology, ii) assimilating fish data to determine linkages between stream hydrology and freshwater fish community structure and function, and iii) develop field based studies to determine causative relationships between age and growth and other life history characteristics. These research projects are fully funded and will provide key insights into the role of hydrologic alteration in describing freshwater fish community structure and function in Alberta, an area undergoing enormous anthropogenic stressors. Candidates will be under the supervision of Dr. Mark Poesch but will interact regularly with scientists and team members in industry, provincial (e.g. Drs. Andy Paul, Caroline Bampfylde) and federal (Dr. Eva Enders) governments. Ph.D. candidates must have a graduate degree in Biology, Ecology, Zoology, Evolutionary Biology, or a related field. Candidate must also have with high overall GPA (especially in related courses). Experience with hydrologic modeling, freshwater fish ecology, database, and programming skills are considered an asset. Candidates should clearly articulate how this research will build on your existing experience, specific skills and date of availability. Candidates interested in this position should send an email to Dr. Mark Poesch (poesch(at)ualberta.ca) with cover letter identifying research interests, CV, transcripts (unofficial accepted), writing sample and a list of three references. Online applications are also accepted at www.markpoesch.com/opportunities.php.
Please note review of applications will commence on September 9, 2013 and the competition will remain open until the position is filled. Ideal start date is January 1, 2014, but other arrangements can be made. The University of Alberta is consistently rated as one of the top 5 universities in Canada, and one of the top 100 universities worldwide. Located in Albertas capital city, Edmonton (population of 1.2 million people), the University of Alberta provides a dynamic mixture of a large research intensive university, urban culture and recreation. More than 39,000 students from across Canada and 144 other countries participate in nearly 400 programs and 18 faculties. Contact Information: Dr. Mark Poesch Assistant Professor, Conservation Ecology University of Alberta, Department of Renewable Resources 751 General Services Building, Edmonton, Alberta, T6G 2H1 Ph: 780-492-4827 Email: Poesch(at)ualberta.ca Website: www.markpoesch.com