Please forward this ad to interested students: Interested in invasive species and environmental analyses? Interested in launching a career in invasive species biology, opening doors in academia, NGOs, or industry? Interested in building expertise in the growing fields of invasive species biology, fouling communities, or applied marine biology?
Dr. Russell Wyeth and Dr. Cory Bishop in the Biology Department at St. Francis Xavier University (StFX) are accepting applications for an MSc student to start September 1, 2013. This position is fully funded at $18,000 for two years, and tuition waivers are also possible. The project is a collaboration with the Aquaculture Association of Nova Scotia and the Department of Fisheries and Oceans (DFO), and is associated with the StFX Centre for Biofouling Research. The aquaculture industry throughout the Canadian Maritime provinces has been severely impacted by invasive tunicates, and there is keen interest in understanding the environmental conditions that would minimize the growth of these nuisance species. The student will spearhead surveys of sites having a range of invasive tunicate infestations to better understand the environmental factors that promote high vs low infestations. The results will help understand the spread of invasive tunicates and also help the aquaculture industry assess infestation susceptibility (both at existing and future sites). The work will entail digital image analyses of tunicate settlement and time series analyses of abiotic factors known to affect tunicate growth (light, temperature, pH, etc.). The successful candidate will have a strong record of academic achievement, evidence of accomplishment in undergraduate research, be willing to undertake multi-day field trips, and have a valid driver’s license. Competitiveness for externally funded scholarships is also an asset. Skills or expertise in any of the following would be beneficial: tunicate biology, biofouling communities, physical oceanography, marine field work, digital image analysis, and time series analyses. The student will be based at StFX, but work closely with DFO scientists and members of the aquaculture industry. For further information or to apply, please contact: Dr. Russell Wyeth, [email protected] (St. Francis Xavier University, Antigonish, Nova Scotia, Canada)
