Funded PhD studentship in Biological Oceanography
University of New Brunswick, Saint John, Canada
in collaboration with Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution
Project Title: Whale habitat associations measured using ocean gliders
The Conservation Oceanography and Marine Technology (COMeT) lab and Robots4Whales group are seeking a new PhD student to join our international team. The project goal is to advance our understanding of oceanographic processes that influence baleen whale movements and behavior. Specifically, the student will use multi-annual glider surveys from the Gulf of Maine to characterize regional scale whale occurrence and associations in an area where entanglement threats to whales are high. They will also conduct surveys using a new glider-mounted plankton imaging device for detecting zooplankton layers in the presence and absence of whales. The student will deploy this device in various oceanographic contexts to study sub-regional oceanographic processes in whale habitats. The student will have the opportunity to participate in field work, and learn technical skills such as how to operate gliders andtheir sensors, process and analyze oceanographic and acoustic data, and explore conservation applications with the information. The student will be co-supervised by Prof. Kimberley Davies (UNB) and Dr. Mark Baumgartner (WHOI).
Qualifications: An M.Sc. degree and publications in oceanography, or marine, coastal or aquatic ecology. Helpful qualifications include field work and computer programming experience. Compensation: The studentship includes a minimum $28,000 CAD per year stipend less tuition and fees for 4 years, and additional financial support for equipment, field data collection, conferences and international travel. Scholarship candidates are especially encouraged to apply, as top-ups are available.
Setting: The COMeT Lab is a dynamic, interdisciplinary laboratory that focusses onoceanography, marine conservation, and top predator ecology. We are a sea-going laboratory offering opportunities for students to learn the ins and outs of coastal research. The University of New Brunswick Saint John is located on the Bay of Fundy, Canada. The Department of Biological Sciences at UNBSJ is a collegial and researchintensive group with a strength in marine biology and 50+ graduate student community. Saint John is a vibrant port city with a historical core, nightlife and restaurants, and access to wilderness and the ocean on its doorstep.
How to apply: Send a cover letter detailing the evidence that you meet the required qualifications, career goals and fit with the project and lab, a recent CV, copies of unofficial undergraduate and graduate transcripts, and contact information for 3 references to kim.davies@unb.ca. Applications from students who identify as members of groups underrepresented in science are especially encouraged to apply. Review of applications will begin on March 15, 2026. It is expected the applicant to apply to the UNB Saint John Graduate Studies Program by July 15, 2026, and begin studies in either September 2026 or January 2027. Only applicants selected for interview will be contacted.