Program Description
We have postdoctoral positions available in a new dynamic,
multidisciplinary research program on condition of migrating salmon
funded through Genome British Columbia. The project uses genomic
technologies to identify conditional states in migrating salmon that
diminish their performance/survivorship during transitions between
freshwater and saltwater. We will develop and apply predictive
conditional biomarkers in models that explore the interaction between
physiological and environmental conditions, culminating in the
generation of a new class of fisheries models that consider both
physiological condition of migrating fish and the environmental
conditions they are encountering, as well as traditional stock
assessment information to predict on a stock-basis how many salmon will
return to the river, and what proportion will survive to spawn. PDF1:
One of the postdoctoral positions is for a candidate with excellent
skills in functional genomics and an interest in ecology. Previous
experience with DNA microarrays and bioinformatics is an asset, and
background knowledge of immunology and disease, metabolomics,
osmoregulation, and/or stress response is beneficial.
PDF2:
The second postdoctoral position is for a candidate with excellent
skills in quantitative fisheries or ecological modeling. Previous
experience with population dynamics modeling, stock-assessment methods,
parameter estimation techniques, Bayesian statistics, or generalized
linear modeling would be valuable assets. Background knowledge of
salmon life history, physiology, oceanography, or climate change
impacts in the northeast Pacific would also be beneficial.
For either position, good communication skills, fluency in both spoken
and written English, and motivation to collaborate with other research
groups are essential. This project represents a collaborative effort
between the federal Department of Fisheries and Oceans, Canada (the
lead agency), University of British Columbia, and the Pacific Salmon
Commission, and brings together researchers in genomics,
bioinformatics, physiology, ecology, modeling, and fisheries
management. There are four postdoctoral positions (bioinformatics,
social sciences, genomics and modeling), two already filled, that will
interact on this project to form a highly collaborative, stimulating
working environment.
Both postdoctoral positions will be located at the Pacific Biological
Station in Nanaimo, British Columbia on Vancouver Island, a beautiful
coastal city with many recreational opportunities and just a short
distance from Vancouver and Victoria. Please see
http://www.pac.dfo-mpo.gc.ca/sci/mgl/Genomics/ for more details about
the genomics program at Pacific Biological Station.
The funding for NSERC Visiting Fellowship is guaranteed for 24 months
with potential for a 12-month renewal dependent on the quality of
research and availability of funding. The start date for PDF1 is ASAP,
PDF2 in June, 2009. Qualified individuals should have been awarded a
Ph.D. degree no earlier than December 31, 2004.
Contact Information -- Applicants should contact and send a CV by
February 15, 2009 to:
PDF1 ? Ecological Genomics
Dr. Kristi Miller Head, Molecular Genetics and (FishManOmics) Project Lead
Pacific Biological Station
3190 Hammond Bay Rd.
Nanaimo, BC V9T 6N7
[email protected]
PDF2 ? Ecological Modeling
Dr. Janelle Curtis
Research Scientist
Salmon and Freshwater Ecosystems Division
Pacific Biological Station
3190 Hammond Bay Rd.
Nanaimo, BC V9T 6N7
[email protected]
For links to collaborators their individual research interests please
go to http://www.pac.dfo-mpo.gc.ca/sci/mgl/Genomics/Collaborators_e.htm
For information about the NSERC Visiting Fellowhsips program, please go
to: http://www.nserc.gc.ca/sf_e.asp?nav=sfnav&lbi=3d
