Diel activity of Arctic charr in Icelandic rivers Unique Ph.D. and M.Sc. opportunities in fish ecology in Iceland
The Department of Aquaculture and Fish Biology of Holar University College in northern Iceland (www.holar.is) seeks bright, hard working individuals for two graduate positions associated with the research project Diel activity of Arctic charr in Icelandic rivers, funded by the Icelandic Center for Research (RANNÍS). The research project involves a collaboration between individuals at Holar University College (Dr. Stefan. O. Steingrimsson), Landsvirkjun/The national power company of Iceland (Dr. Sveinn K. Valdimarsson), Concordia University in Montréal, Canada (Dr. James W.A. Grant), and the University of New Brunswick in Fredericton, Canada (Dr. Richard A. Cunjak and Dr. Tommi Linnansaari). Holar University College is a small specialized university, with an ambitious research program in fish biology, aquaculture and aquatic ecology, with special focus on evolution, behavioural ecology and physiology. The main goal of the research project is to determine the ecological correlates of diel activity in stream-dwelling Arctic charr. More specifically, this project will examine the effect of season, age/size of fish, water temperature, growth, competition, habitat and prey availability by monitoring individually tagged fish and using both an observational and field experiment approach. Among other things, this project should give important insights into the behaviour and ecology of salmonids at high latitudes, their adaptation to different water temperatures, and their potential response to climate change. The positions offered are for one Ph.D. candidate and one M.Sc. candidate. Ideally, the students should not start later than in the summer of 2012. The Ph.D. candidate will be enrolled at the Faculty of Life and Environmental Sciences at the University of Iceland, but based at Holar University College. Applicants should have an M.Sc. degree in biology or closely related disciplines, have a strong academic background, and be able to work independently in demanding situations. Prior experience in collecting ecological data in the wild is an obvious advantage. Pending on a satisfactory process of the project, the Ph.D. candidate will be funded for 3 years (265 000 Icelandic kronur per month) The M.Sc. candidate will be enrolled and based at the Department of Aquaculture and Fish Biology of Holar University College. Applicants should have a B.Sc. degree in biology or related disciplines and have a strong academic record. The M.Sc. candidate will receive partial funding for 24 months (105 000 Icelandic kronur per month). Applicants should contact Dr. Stefan O. Steingrímsson at Holar University College ( [email protected]). Applications should include a recent CV, a short statement of research interest, names and contact information for two references, and an academic transcript. The application deadline is 1 March, 2012. Stefan O. Steingrimsson (Ph.D.), Associate Professor Department of Aquaculture and Fish Biology Haeyri 1, 550 Saudarkrokur, Iceland
