 |
 |
Current Opportunities for Graduate and PostDoctoral Studies in Biology |
||||||
| Posted November 2011:
Graduate Student Positions in Molecular Biology Biology Department Funding is available for research positions in the field of Molecular Biology. Our laboratory possesses state-of-the-art infrastructure for studying regulatory mechanisms of gene expression in bacteria at the biochemical and molecular genetic level. Laboratory members gain experience in protein expression and purification, random and site-directed mutagenesis, characterizing protein-DNA and protein-protein interactions, quantifying gene expression in vivo and in vitro, and other basic and advanced molecular biological techniques. Positions Available in 2012: PhD graduate Candidates will be required to apply for funding (PGS-D, PGS-M, USRA) but success in these competitions is not required. Applicants with prior research experience preferred, but all motivated individuals who are considering a future in experimental research are encouraged to apply for positions. Note to all applicants: Due to volume of applications, I cannot guarantee a response to each inquiry. We will contact you if we intend to further consider your application. For applicants outside of Canada, arranging for funding (scholarships) from your resident country will dramatically improve chances of favourable consideration. Interested individuals should send a CV with names of potential referees by email to: Shawn MacLellan |
||||||
|
Posted October 2011: Graduate Student Position in Algal Evolutionary Genomics Biology Department One graduate student (Ph.D.) position is available in the laboratory of Dr. Adrian Reyes-Prieto in the Biology Department of the University of New Brunswick at Fredericton. I seek an enthusiastic graduate student with strong interests in genomic sciences, evolutionary biology and microbial diversity. The candidate should have strong research skills, and some experience with molecular biology techniques and bionformatics. The selected candidate is expected to join the lab as soon as January 2012. MSc candidates with equivalent experience will also be considered. Selected student will participate on genome-scale projects investigating diverse aspects of the origin and evolution of photosynthetic eukaryotes. The selected candidate will generate genomic and transcriptomic data from diverse algae, such as Glaucophytes and Prasinophytes, for evolutionary and comparative studies. Research projects comprise “next-generation” sequencing, bioinformatics analyses, phylogenomics and experimental approaches (biochemistry and proteomics). This position will provide the opportunity to conduct novel research in microbial comparative genomics, organelle evolution and evolutionary biology. NSERC funds for stipends/salaries up to 4 years are available. My research program is affiliated to the CIFAR-Integrated Microbiology Program and the selected graduate student will have the opportunity to close interactions with prestigious research groups across Canada, Europe and USA (http://www.cifar.ca/integrated-microbial-biodiversity-program-members) via our ongoing collaborations and regular meetings. Please apply by sending your Curriculum Vitae, contact information of at least two references, and a cover letter with statement of research interests to areyes[at]unb.ca. It is critical you contact me directly prior to applying to the graduate studies program. Information on graduate studies and application procedures for the Department of Biology at University of New Brunswick can be found online at www.unb.ca/fredericton/science/biology/Degree_Info/Graduate.html Adrian Reyes-Prieto, Ph.D. |
||||||
|
Posted October 2011: Canada-Mexico Awards Post-Doctoral Research Fellowships (PDRF) Deadline November 12 2011
Postdoctoral Research in Algal Genomics The PDRF program offers outstanding opportunities for Mexican recent doctoral graduates with interests in postdoctoral research activities in Canadian institutions. Details about the Canada-Mexico PDRF applications are provided in the Canadian Government website The laboratory of Dr. Adrian Reyes-Prieto in the Biology Department of the University of New Brunswick seeks for a postdoctoral investigator interested in microbial comparative genomics and evolutionary biology. We seek an enthusiastic doctoral graduate with strong research skills; experience in general molecular biology techniques and basic bioinformatics. The postdoctoral scholar will conduct a concise research project on algal comparative and evolutionary genomics. The postdoctoral candidate is expected to join our lab as soon as June 2012. The research activities in our lab are focused on the origin and evolution of photosynthetic eukaryotes (i.e., algae and plants), particularly in events underlying the establishment of primary plastids (e.g., chloroplasts) via endosymbiosis with cyanobacteria. We are interested to understand critical molecular processes involved in the transformation of captured “free-living” cells into obligated endosymbionts. We use genomics tools, phylogenetics and comparative studies to explore diverse aspects of the evolutionary history of diverse algal groups, such as Glaucophytes and Prasinophytes. Details about our research interests can be found in http://www.unb.ca/fredericton/science/biology/Faculty/reyesprieto.html Our research program is affiliated to the CIFAR-Integrated Microbiology Program, which offers the opportunity to close interactions with prestigious research groups across Canada, Europe and USA (http://www.cifar.ca/integrated-microbial-biodiversity-program-members). Representative publications Reyes-Prieto A, Yoon HS, Moustafa A, Yang EC, Andersen RA, Boo SM, Nakayama T, Ishida K, Bhattacharya D. Differential gene retention in plastids of common recent origin. Mol Biol Evol. 2010, 27:1530-1537. Reyes-Prieto A, Moustafa A, Bhattacharya D. Multiple genes of apparent algal origin suggest ciliates may once have been photosynthetic. Curr Biol. 2008, 18: 956-962. Moustafa A, Reyes-Prieto A, Bhattacharya D. Chlamydiae has contributed at least 55 genes to Plantae with predominantly plastid functions. PLoS ONE. 2008 3: e2205 Reyes-Prieto A, Hackett JD, Soares MB, Bonaldo MF, Bhattacharya D. Cyanobacterial contribution to algal nuclear genomes is primarily limited to plastid functions. Curr Biol. 2006, 16: 2320-2325. If you are interested in the PDRF program please contact Adrian Reyes-Prieto, Ph.D. |
||||||
| Posted March 2011:
Funding is available for two MSc or PhD students to examine questions about the evolution of polyploidy, mating systems and sex chromosomes in the lab of Dr. Linley Jesson at the University of New Brunswick. We are currently using the moss Atrichum undulatum to test hypotheses about the evolutionary effects of gains of ploidy on sex chromosome evolution. In this system, plants can be haploid, diploid or triploid, and the sex of haploid individuals is determined by sex chromosomes. Following polyploidisation, diploid plants can be XX, XY or YY, resulting in the evolution of hermaphroditism. In addition, polyploidy may allow recombination within X and Y chromosomes. I seek students interested in testing hypotheses of the evolution and maintenance of different sexual phenotypes in natural populations, or examining the genomic and fitness consequences of new recombination in sex chromosomes. For more information, please contact me at jesson@unb.ca
|
||||||
|
Posted May 2010: Graduate Opportunities (MSc and PhD) - 2010-2011 The Atlantic salmon is an indicator of aquatic ecosystem health. The proposed research has a strong conservation focus and attempts to identify the effect of natural environmental stressors (ice, variable flows) especially as these stressors may be exacerbated by potential climate change scenarios (e.g., mid-winter break-ups and flooding) and anthropogenic stressors (flow regulation). Results should improve understanding of the relationships between environmental factors and stream biota, and our ability to protect populations at risk. Project #1, PhD student To answer the question "Is egg survival of Atlantic salmon a function of winter severity, flow regulation and stream size"? Predictions are that: a) winter severity (physico-chemical disturbance within the redd) will increase with stream order, and depress egg survival; and b) survival to emergence is positively related to winter discharge but inversely related to groundwater contribution. Secondly, it is hypothesized that winter flow regulation will lead to an increase in winter thermal units (degree days) and that overwintering eggs/alevin development will be accelerated but emergence will be de-coupled from invertebrate (food) availability. This is a field-based research study planned for New Brunswick rivers, mostly the Miramichi River, and involving the use of egg incubation baskets, emergence trapping and in situ water quality assessment using micro DO probes. As well, some of the work may be carried out in regulated rivers in Newfoundland as part of the NSERC-funded Strategic Network Grant (HYDRONET) investigating hydroelectric impacts. Deadline for receipt of applications : July 16, 2010.
To assess the winter condition and survival of Atlantic salmon parr and pre-smolts under conditions of variable stream discharge (simulating flood events). Predictions are that: a) winter condition and survival will be lower after periodic high discharge events; and b) the probability of completing smoltification will be inversely related to winter severity (variable discharge). This is primarily lab-based research, carried out at the DFO-operated Mactaquac Biodiversity Facility near Fredericton, NB. The response of immature and mature parr to variable stream discharge (sudden flow increases 3-4 times during winter) will be assessed by quantifying survival, growth and condition (lipid content assessed by measuring bioimpedance). In the second year, the effect of flow fluctuation on the ability to complete smoltification will also be assessed. Experience handling salmonid fishes and setting up lab experiments will be definite assets. Deadline for receipt of applications : November 01, 2010.
To answer the question "Is winter a population bottleneck?" by discerning between mortality and emigration for Atlantic salmon parr, and determining the implications for fish population dynamics. Predictions are that: a) parr emigrating downstream between autumn and early spring or during episodic winter floods have similar condition, growth and survival as resident parr; b) reproductively spent male (precocious) parr experience lower winter survival than immature parr; c) parr survival is lowest in winter; and d) density-independent (environmental) factors explain more parr mortality than density-dependent (biological) factors. The project will involve significant periods of winter field-work, mostly in the Miramichi River basin of New Brunswick, with some manipulative experimentation in laboratory settings and modeling population dynamics using the long time series of data accumulated at Catamaran Brook. Monitoring of fish movement will be done using PIT (passive integrated transponder) technology with fixed stations and active tracking of tagged individuals. Experience with PIT technology or biotelemetry, and mark-recapture population models will be a definite asset. Deadline for receipt of applications : November 01, 2010. Applicants for all three positions will have a strong academic record and significant field experience working with wild stream fishes, preferably in the area of ecology and/or population dynamics. Graduate students will be located at the Canadian Rivers Institute (CRI) at the University of New Brunswick (UNB) in Fredericton, New Brunswick. The CRI is an interdisciplinary research institute with >60 students and scientists from diverse academic and government departments interacting to resolve complex problems in aquatic science. Full funding for salary and research is available for a 4-year term (PhD) and 2.5-year term (MSc). International students are encouraged to apply. UNB offers a full waiver of the international student fee supplement for graduate students registered in doctoral programs. Dr. Rick Cunjak, Email: cunjak@unb.ca |
||||||
|
|
||||||
| Posted March 2010:
Ph.D. project in parasite ecology and population genetics Project: We are seeking a self-motivated PhD candidate to work on the genetics and transmission ecology of a novel Microsporidium species and its effects on populations of its host amphipod. Briefly, the amphipod is a key species in the Bay of Fundy and occupies a central position in this intertidal food web. The unnamed Microsporidium is new to science and has been hypothesized to be involved in population regulation of the host amphipod. The project will also use genetic markers to characterize the subdivision and scale of demographic independence of amphipod populations to better understand the local (mudflat) evolutionary and ecological consequences of this interaction. The position is open to all candidates but those having experience in parasite ecology, ecological and evolutionary genetics, genetic techniques, and/or modelling will be given preference. The position will start in May or September 2010. Application: If interested, please apply as soon as possible by providing a cover letter explaining your qualifications for the position, a resumé, a copy of your transcripts (it can be an unofficial copy) and names (and contact information) for 3 referees to:
|
||||||
|
|
||||||
|
MSc graduate project opportunity: population genetics I am seeking a graduate student to join a collaborative research program (funded by an NSERC Strategic Grant) on the ecology of the Bay of Fundy mudflats. These mudflats are densely inhabited by amphipods (Corophium volutator), which are the major prey of migrating shorebirds and fish. The successful candidate will join a multi-disciplinary collaboration between researchers at UNB, Carleton University, and Mount Allison University. Our aim is to model the environmental interactions between climate driven processes and the population dynamics of C. volutator throughout the mudflats in the Bay of Fundy. The project will use DNA sequence variation to assess the level of genetic subdivision and patterns of gene flow among populations of C. volutator. This research will enhance our ability to model this system by providing indirect estimates of the scale to which mudflats are demographically independent. By extending the analysis to include populations of C. volutator throughout its geographic range (east and west Atlantic), this research will also provide deep insights into the evolutionary history of this species during the major glacial events of the Pleistocene. The research will combine fieldwork with molecular data generation (mtDNA and nuclear DNA sequencing). Successful candidates should have a strong background in ecology and evolution, interests in population genetics and statistics, and preferably some experience with molecular techniques (but not required). Applications will be accepted until a suitable candidate is found. The anticipated start date is May or September 2010. For enquires, or to apply, email a CV or resume, a letter of interest, unofficial transcripts and contact information for 2 references to Dr. Jason Addison (jaddison@unb.ca) |
||||||
Posted August 2009:GRADUATE STUDENT OPPORTUNITY IN MOLECULAR SOIL MICROBIOLOGYUniversity of New Brunswick, Fredericton, New Brunswick, Canada A PhD position is available immediately for a student interested in investigating the potential impact of climate change on denitrification and nitrification, major processes in agricultural systems that contribute to emissions of the greenhouse gas nitrous oxide. Specifically, changes in the abundance, activity and diversity of denitrifiers and nitrifiers in agricultural soils in response to changes in environmental conditions overwinter will be assessed using functional denitrification and nitrification genes. The student will work under the co-supervision of Dr. Cheryl Patten, University of New Brunswick, and Dr. Claudia Goyer, Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, Potato Research Centre, Fredericton, New Brunswick, and in collaboration with students and scientists at the University of Guelph (Dr. J. Trevors), Nova Scotia Agricultural College (Dr. D. Burton), and the Potato Research Centre (Dr. B. Zebarth). Applicants should have a strong background in molecular biology and microbiology. Interested students should submit their CV including a brief description of their research interests, copies of transcripts (can be unofficial) and contact information for 3 references to: Dr. Cheryl L. Patten Email: pattenc@unb.ca or Dr. Claudia Goyer Email: Claudia.Goyer@agr.gc.ca |
||||||
|
|
||||||
|
Posted April 2009: M.Sc. project in the Bay of Fundy, starting September 2009 Project: The upper Bay of Fundy has extensive mudflats created by its very large tides. These mudflats are densely inhabited by a tube-dwelling amphipod, Corophium volutator (commonly known as the mudshrimp), that is the primary food source for millions of migratory shorebirds. Currently, little is known about the winter ecology of mudflats. The M.Sc. project will investigate the effects of winter on population dynamics of Corophium, and will include a study of scouring by ice blocks (possibly a main cause of Corophium loss on mudflats). Application: If interested, please apply as soon as possible by providing a cover letter explaining your qualifications for the position, a resumé, a copy of your transcripts (it can be an unofficial copy) and names (and contact information) for 3 referees to: Dr. Myriam Barbeau Email: mbarbeau@unb.ca *Applications will be accepted until the position is filled. |
||||||
|
|
||||||
|
Posted November 2008: Graduate Project Opportunities: We are seeking graduate students for a collaborative research program (funded by an NSERC Strategic Grant) on the ecology of mudflats in the Bay of Fundy. These mudflats are densely inhabited by burrow-dwelling amphipods (Corophium volutator), which are the major prey of migrating shorebirds and fish. Mud snails (Ilyanassa obsoleta) migrate seasonally onto the mudflats, disturb the mudflat surface and negatively influence amphipod populations. The program consists of a number of graduate projects, which will involve field work, laboratory studies and mathematical modelling: • Community analysis of mudflats: relationships between Corophium, competitors (snails), food (diatoms), predators (shorebirds, fish), parasites and abiotic factors (sediment properties, winter effects) – PhD project. Contact: Drs. Myriam Barbeau and Diana Hamilton (mbarbeau@unb.ca, dhamilto@mta.ca) • Winter population dynamics of Corophium – MSc project. Contact: Dr. Myriam Barbeau (mbarbeau@unb.ca) • Trematode parasites and Corophium hosts: effects of snail-derived parasites on Corophium populations – MSc project. Contact: Dr. Mark Forbes (mforbes@connect.carleton.ca) • Interaction between Corophium and sediment properties (including stability) – MScE in Civil Engineering. Contact: Dr. Katy Haralampides (katy@unb.ca) • Population genetics of Corophium volutator in the Bay of Fundy and northern Atlantic – MSc project. Contact: Dr. Jason Addison (jaddison@unb.ca) • Habitat use and dietary needs of migrating shorebirds encountering variable Corophium populations – MSc project. Contact: Dr. Diana Hamilton (dhamilto@mta.ca) • Analytical mathematical models on interactions between Corophium and other community components – MSc project. Contact: Drs. Lin Wang and James Watmough (lwang2@unb.ca, watmough@unb.ca) *Note: Some of the MSc/MScE projects may be converted to a PhD project. Application: These projects will start in Winter 2009 and Spring 2009. Applications will be considered until suitable candidates are found. If interested, please apply asap by providing a cover letter explaining your qualifications for the position, a resumé, a copy of your transcripts (it can be an unofficial copy) and names (and contact information) for 3 referees, to the contact professor indicated above. For general information, you may also contact: David Drolet or Dr. Myriam Barbeau |
||||||
|
|
||||||
|
Posted June 2008 Graduate Student Opportunity in Fish Ecology Importance of freshwater winter habitat for the conservation of American eels A two year bursary is available to the successful candidate. This project is a collaboration with the Department of Fisheries and Oceans (DFO) and could be based at either UNB-Fredericton or at the Gulf Fisheries Centre in Moncton NB. The applicant should have a strong background in biology, ecology or environmental sciences. To apply, please send curriculum vitae, statement of interest, university transcripts and contact information for three references to: Dr. Simon Courtenay or Dr. Marie Clément |
||||||
|
|
||||||
|
Posted June 2008 Graduate Student Opportunity in Fish Ecology
Fish as samplers of the zooplankton community of Northumberland Strait A full bursary is available to the successful candidate. This project is a collaboration between the Department of Fisheries and Oceans (DFO) and the University of New Brunswick, and will be based at UNB-Fredericton. The applicant should have a strong background in biology, ecology, or oceanography. To apply, please send curriculum vitae, statement of interest, unofficial university transcripts, and contact information for three references to: Dr. Simon Courtenay or Dr. J. Mark Hanson |
||||||
| Posted April 2008
Graduate Student Opportunity in Aquatic Invasive Virology An MSc position is available for a student interested in the role of viruses as aquatic invasive species. This work is part of the Canadian Aquatic Invasive Species Network (CAISN), a research network funded by NSERC to examine vectors and pathways delivering aquatic invasive species (AIS) to Canadian waters. More information about CAISN can be found at http://www.uwindsor.ca/CAISN. The applicant should have a strong background in molecular biology. Experience in PCR, quantitative PCR and/or reverse transcriptase PCR are a definite asset. The position is available for start between May 1 and September 1, 2008. To apply, please send curriculum vitae, statement of interest, university transcripts and contact information for three academic references to: Dr. Janice Lawrence |
||||||
|
|
||||||
|
Posted January 2008 Positions are also available for MSc or PhD students interested in the evolution of plant reproductive traits and diversity of sexual systems. Potential projects could include the evolution of separate and combined sexes in mosses, the evolution of generalist flower designs, or the effect of density and clone size on selfing rates. Other ideas are also welcome. Positions are available from January 2009. Interested students should contact: Linley Jesson |
||||||
|
|
||||||
| Return to Home Page Maintained by: casey@unb.ca Last Update: 21 November 2011 This document: http://www.unb.ca/departs/science/biology/GradSchool/Opportunities.html |