PhD/PDFs β Lynx population ecology, landscape genetics, and habitat suitability modeling
As part of a recent Strategic NSERC grant with collaborators Dr. Paul Wilson (Trent University), Dr. Jim Roth (University of Manitoba), and Dr. Jeff Bowman (Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources), we are assessing the factors affecting long-term viability of Canada lynx populations, especially at their range margin. Using an extensive sample (thousands) of lynx that were both genotyped and geo-referenced, we are developing species distribution models including habitat suitability, range limit, and corridor delineation analyses, to determine the current and predicted future distribution of lynx. Parallel analyses for bobcats will elucidate species differences and identify areas of potential sympatry and future hybridization. These samples also will serve towards stable isotope analyses of lynx, bobcats, coyotes, and prey, to help identify diet overlap between carnivores, potential exploitative competition with lynx, and proximate causes of lynx dispersal. We are also undertaking extensive and unprecedented analysis of fur harvest records of carnivores across North America to examine if evidence of cyclic asynchrony and decoupling, dispersal barriers, and exploitative competition between species, can be detected in the region of lynx distribution. Ultimately, the above projects will feed directly into comprehensive harvest, distribution, and population viability models for lynx that factor connectivity and dispersal, regional threats such as hybridization and competition, and ongoing and projected loss of habitat and climate change near the range periphery. This work is the logical continuation of our previous efforts (Murray et al. 2008. J. Wildl. Manage. 72:1463-1472; Roth et al. 2007. Ecology 88:2736-2743; Steury and Murray 2004.Biol. Conserv. 117:127-141) to understand factors affecting viability of southern lynx populations. Post-doctoral fellows will have the opportunity to develop an independent research program within the framework of existing funding. Application Procedures The specific parameters of the PhD and/or PDF positions will be adjusted according to the strengths and interests of the successful applicants, within the basic scope of the above-described project. Applicants should hold degrees in population ecology, population genetics, landscape ecology, or a related area. The successful candidates should have expertise in population and/or landscape analysis and modeling, population/landscape genetics, and/or statistical analysis, including previous work with GIS or time series data. The successful applicants will require demonstrated publishing success. Candidates should submit a letter of application, curriculum vita, and names and contact information for three references to: Dr. Dennis Murray, Department of Biology, Trent University, 1600 West Bank Drive, Peterborough, ON Canada K9J 7B8 (email: dennismurray βatβ trentu.ca, web page: http://www.dennismurray.ca). Applications will be reviewed immediately and the positions will close as soon as suitable candidates are found. PDFs will receive $45,000 annually, + benefits; PhD students will receive a full graduate stipend plus waiver of any foreign tuition fees.
