PhD or MSc project on the role of pathogens and predators on larval amphibians
The Integrative Wildlife Conservation lab at Trent University is initiating an MSc or PhD project to assess the lethal and sublethal effects of pathogens and predators on larval amphibians. Our team has conducted extensive work on tadpole-predator interactions, and we recently extended our efforts to tadpole-pathogen interactions. Currently, we are interested in documenting how pathogens such as ranavirus or chytrid fungus, which are strongly implicated in amphibian population declines worldwide, may impact larval amphibian behaviour and physiology both directly as well as through interactions with other stressors, like predation risk. Through controlled experiments and extensive behavioural/physiological assessment, the project will document the potentially complex role of these important pathogens on amphibians. For a PhD degree, the experiments will be expanded to include more stressors, multiple amphibian species, epigenetics, or other extensions in areas that are of interest to the candidate.
The successful candidate will have a BSc/MSc in Biology, Ecology, or a related field, strong quantitative and writing skills, experience with conducting experiments/and or working with amphibians, and an interest in working collaboratively within a large and diverse research group. PhD candidates must have demonstrated success in publishing their work in the peer-reviewed literature. For additional details, see www.dennismurray.ca and www.thomashossie.ca
To apply, send a cover letter, curriculum vitae, unofficial academic transcript, and contact information for 3 references to: Dennis Murray (murraylabapplicants@gmail.com).
The position will start in May 2020.
The Integrative Wildlife Conservation lab at Trent University is initiating an MSc or PhD project to assess the lethal and sublethal effects of pathogens and predators on larval amphibians. Our team has conducted extensive work on tadpole-predator interactions, and we recently extended our efforts to tadpole-pathogen interactions. Currently, we are interested in documenting how pathogens such as ranavirus or chytrid fungus, which are strongly implicated in amphibian population declines worldwide, may impact larval amphibian behaviour and physiology both directly as well as through interactions with other stressors, like predation risk. Through controlled experiments and extensive behavioural/physiological assessment, the project will document the potentially complex role of these important pathogens on amphibians. For a PhD degree, the experiments will be expanded to include more stressors, multiple amphibian species, epigenetics, or other extensions in areas that are of interest to the candidate.
The successful candidate will have a BSc/MSc in Biology, Ecology, or a related field, strong quantitative and writing skills, experience with conducting experiments/and or working with amphibians, and an interest in working collaboratively within a large and diverse research group. PhD candidates must have demonstrated success in publishing their work in the peer-reviewed literature. For additional details, see www.dennismurray.ca and www.thomashossie.ca
To apply, send a cover letter, curriculum vitae, unofficial academic transcript, and contact information for 3 references to: Dennis Murray (murraylabapplicants@gmail.com).
The position will start in May 2020.