Funded MSc/PhD positions in field ecology and population/landscape genomics to study urban adaptation
I am recruiting graduate students with interests in population and landscape genomics, field ecology, or a combination of these disciplines to join my new research group in the Department of Biological Sciences at the University of Manitoba. I have funds in place to support 2-3 graduate positions at either the MSc (2 years funding) or PhD (4 years funding) level. I am of course also happy to speak with interested students who have scholarships (e.g., NSERC) or are competitive for scholarships about how their research interests could fit into our research program. I can be flexible with start dates and the positions will remain open until filled. Graduate students will work on questions about contemporary evolution and local adaptation using the colonization of cities by grey squirrels as a replicated ‘natural experiment’. Urban spaces are novel habitats and organisms that persist in cities experience drastically different selective regimes than those in natural environments. Grey squirrels are ubiquitous in cities both in- and outside of their range, and while they have been well studied in their natural habitats, relatively little is known about the processes by which they have become urbanized. Projects can involve broad- and fine-scale population genomic questions, local field ecological questions, or we can integrate approaches. While the group has broad research aims that we will all work toward achieving, I hope and expect that students will bring their own fresh ideas to their research and will be the flexibility to shape tailor projects to student’s interests. Winnipeg has a vibrant music, culture, restaurant, and research scene (e.g., http://travel.nationalgeographic.com/travel/canada/winnipeg-manitoba/) and is a fun city to spend a few graduate years in (or longer!). Our group is building local collaborations with researchers at some of the many other local research organizations in town including the University of Winnipeg, DFO, and the Assinboine Park Zoo. As such there will be many opportunities for students to interact and collaborate with researchers working both in- and outside of the typical academic settings. If you any additional questions check out our website (www.garroway-lab.com/) or get in touch. If you are interested in joining send me a brief introduction of yourself and your interests (~1 page) together with a CV. Cheers, Colin Colin Garroway Assistant Professor Department of Biological Sciences University of Manitoba Winnipeg, MB Canada [email protected]<mailto:[email protected]> www.garroway-lab.com/
