PH.D. GRADUATE RESEARCH ASSISTANTSHIP – PHYSIOLOGICAL / CHEMICAL BASIS OF PREDATION RISK AVOIDANCE IN AMPHIBIANS
A 4-year PhD Graduate Research Assistantship will be available beginning January 2011 to conduct research on the physiological and/or chemical basis of phenotypic plasticity of larval amphibians, relative to perceived predation risk. The work will consist of experimentally rearing amphibian larvae relative to predation risk and/or other treatments (e.g., food or disease manipulation), and assessing their behavioural and morphological responses. Additional work may focus on characterizing chemical cues associated with predation risk avoidance, examining metabolic or hormonal responses to such risk, or other relevant questions to be developed by the student. Our recent work indicates that adaptive responses to predation risk in larval amphibians are strong and have an underlying physiological and chemical basis; we are poised to expand our program into mechanistic explanations for observed plasticity, and the student’s work will serve as a cornerstone. The successful applicant must have an MSc degree in Biology, Ecology, or related field, and have strong experimental, laboratory, and quantitative skills. Only candidates with a demonstrated ability and desire to publish research findings will be considered. The total financial package will include graduate stipend (a minimum of $21,000) and waiver of any non-Canadian tuition fees. Send cover letter, resume, unofficial transcripts and names of 3 references to: Dennis Murray, Dept. Biology, Trent University, Peterborough, ON, K9J 7B8, CANADA, tel: 705-748-1011 x7078, [email protected]. The position will be offered as soon as a suitable candidate is found, or as late as October 31, 2009.
