Dear MARMAM, The University of Washington Whale and Dolphin Ecology Lab ( https://www.amyvancise.com/) is excited to announce a new MS research opportunity starting in the Autumn 2027 quarter. This graduate research opportunity, led by PI Amy Van Cise, is focused on improving eDNA methods used to study humpback whales. The project has three major objectives:
1. Develop approaches for humpback whale abundance estimation using eDNA. 2. Develop approaches to assess humpback whale population structure using eDNA. 3. Map the summer distribution and density of humpback whale populations in coastal Washington waters. Under the guidance of the W.A.D.E. Lab and collaborators at NOAA's Northwest Fisheries Science Center ( https://www.fisheries.noaa.gov/about/northwest-fisheries-science-center), the student will lead the development and use of a new qPCR assay, develop a model describing the relationship between humpback whale DNA and humpback whale group size, prepare and sequence mtDNA metabarcoding libraries, use mtDNA haplotype frequencies to describe population structure, and develop spatial models characterizing the summertime distribution of humpback whales off the coast of Washington state. The ideal candidate will have a combination of prior experience in a genetics laboratory (including familiarity with DNA extraction and PCR methods) and prior experience using the R coding platform for statistical data analyses. Currently, the position does not include field work. The position includes 3 years of guaranteed funding from a combination of RA and TA positions, with the potential for additional funding to grow the research objectives. Funding includes full tuition as well as a monthly stipend + benefits package. If you are interested, please apply via the School of Aquatic and Fishery Sciences graduate program (https://fish.uw.edu/students/graduate-program/) and send Amy a copy of your application materials. Warm regards, Amy <*)))>< <*)))>< <*)))>< <*)))>< <*)))>< <*)))>< <*)))>< <*)))>< Amy M. Van Cise, Ph.D. (she/her/hers) Assistant Professor Whale and Dolphin Ecology Lab <http://amyvancise.com> University of Washington | School of Aquatic and Fisheries Sciences 1122 NE Boat St, Box 355020 Seattle, WA 98105 Office: FSH 216B 206-221-6118 "My paper was one long gigantic blunder from beginning to end." -Charles Darwin
_______________________________________________ MARMAM mailing list [email protected] https://lists.uvic.ca/mailman/listinfo/marmam
