Master of Science studentship opportunity in biological oceanography and zooplankton production ecology in whale habitats
Deadline: closed
Location: The University of New Brunswick, Saint John, New Brunswick, Canada
Project Description: The Davies Lab at the University of New Brunswick in Saint John, Canada, is recruiting a new MSc student into our laboratory. The candidate will conduct research exploring the ecology and life history of pelagic copepods and gelatinous zooplankton that concentrate in baleen whale habitats using field data collected from autonomous and shipboard observing platforms.The candidate will explore associations between the ecology of zooplankton and oceanographic characteristics that affect plankton population production, such as water mass advection, hydrography and food abundance. Samples will be collected near foraging whales to study the prey field characteristics of whale foraging environments. The student will have the opportunity to engage in seagoing field work in the Gulf of St. Lawrence and Bay of Fundy, Canada, and engage their research in policy and management processes and engage with partners in industry, government, NGO and academic communities.
Qualifications: A B.Sc. degree and demonstrated education in oceanography, data science, statistics, mathematics, biology and/or ecology. Evidence of completing an Honors thesis or directed studies project is desirable. Helpful qualifications include experience working on boats, research-related experience, and computer programming especially in the R language.
Compensation: The studentship includes a $22,500 CAD per year stipend less tuition and fees for 2 years, and financial support for equipment, field data collection and conference travel. NSERC scholarship candidates are especially encouraged to apply, and top-ups are available.
Setting: The Davies Lab is a dynamic, interdisciplinary laboratory that focusses on ocean conservation, ocean predator ecology, and oceanography. We are a sea-going laboratory offering opportunities for students to learn the ins and outs of shipboard research. Visit our website for more information about our lab and ongoing projects: https://davieslab.wixsite.com/davieslab. The University of New Brunswick Saint John is located on the Bay of Fundy. The Department of Biological Sciences at UNBSJ is a collegial and research-intensive group with a strength in marine biology. Saint John is a vibrant port city with a historical core, great 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 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 June 15, 2023. It is expected the applicant will apply to the UNB Saint John Graduate Studies Program by June 15, 2023, and begin studies in either September 2023 or January 2024. Only applicants selected for interview will be contacted. Preference will be given to Canadian citizens and permanent residents.