Institution: Trent University, Peterborough, Ontario, Canada (www.trentu.ca)
Co-supervisors: Dennis Murray (http://www.dennismurray.ca); David Lesbarreres (http://gearg.jimdo.com/people/head/) We are initiating a PhD project to assess responses of amphibians to chytrid and/or frog virus #3 (i.e., ranavirus) infection. These pathogens are contributing to the global decline in amphibians, and there is increasing concern over their effect on larval amphibians either across strains of the pathogens themselves (which are known to have different levels of virulence), or through synergistic interactions with other environmental stressors (e.g., contaminants, food limitation, predation risk). Our recent investigations in this area highlight the opportunity to test fundamental questions in disease ecology, host-parasite coevolution, and conservation biology via experimental, field and molecular techniques. The PhD student will have the opportunity to develop specific research questions within the scope of the larger project. The funding package includes a competitive stipend, foreign tuition waiver (if the student is not a Canadian citizen or permanent resident) as well coverage of all research expenses. Successful candidates will have an MSc in Ecology, Conservation Biology, or related field, demonstrated evidence of peer-reviewed publications, strong quantitative, genetics, and/or field skills, and an interest in working collaboratively as part of a larger group. The PhD student will join the Integrative Wildlife Conservation laboratory at Trent University (www.dennismurray.ca) and be part of an interdisciplinary team addressing innovative solutions to environmental change (www.create-enviro.ca). To apply, send a cover letter, curriculum vitae, unofficial academic transcript, and contact information for 3 references, to: Dennis Murray ([email protected]). Application deadline is Feb 16th, but review of applications will begin immediately and continue until a suitable candidate is found. Applicants are strongly encouraged to apply early.
