Marco Musiani and Jocelyn Poissant, co-supervisors of ecological/conservation genomics at the University of Calgary, Alberta – are seeking for two (2) PhD students for ecological/conservation genomics projects on endangered caribou in Western Canada.
Both projects will make use of genomic and GPS collar data collected from >700 caribou and have consequential applications including the design and management of conservation breeding, supplementation, and reintroduction programs. MSc and Postdocs could also be considered.
PhD1: based in the Department of Biology (Marco Musiani), will combine landscape genomic and quantitative genetic methods to characterise adaptive genetic variation and differentiation in free-living caribou. This includes characterising signatures of selection and genotype x environment associations, as well as the genetic basis of ecologically important traits including habitat selection and migratory behaviour.
PhD2: based in the Department of Ecosystem and Public Health (Jocelyn Poissant), will study the effects of fragmentation and declining population sizes on caribou genetic diversity and inbreeding, gut microbiome diversity, and associated impacts on individual fitness and population dynamics.
Requirements
Applicants are expected to demonstrates interest and expertise in molecular ecology or quantitative genetics and ideally a publication record.
Benefits
Approved applicants will enjoy working with other graduate students as well as committed academic and government partners.
The position comes with a $23,000 grant each year – for 4 years.
- (this amount will increase for students who receive competitive scholarships) with anticipated starts in January or May 2022.
Calgary is a vibrant multicultural city that consistently ranks in the World’s top 10 most liveable cities.
It is located just 1 hour away from Banff National Park and the Canadian Rockies, with outstanding year-round opportunities for outdoor activities.
Interested students should send a CV, copies of transcripts, and contacts for 3 references to Marco Musiani:- mmusiani@ucalgary.ca and Jocelyn Poissant:- jocelyn.poissant@ucalgary.ca.
Deadline
Evaluation of applications will begin on October 15, and continue until positions are filled.
