We are offering 2-3 graduate student positions at the PhD and MSc level to conduct research that will directly inform Blanding’s turtle conservation in Ontario, Canada. Blanding’s turtles are listed as threatened in the province of Ontario and endangered in Canada and globally (IUCN Red List), owing to rapid population declines that are predicted to continue in the face of threats mainly from road mortality and habitat loss associated with development. Research into the species distribution, habitat needs, population trends and structure, and the effectiveness of mitigation strategies is essential to develop management strategies and actions that promote recovery and long-term population viability. Students will work as part of a larger team that will conduct extensive surveys for Blanding’s turtles in a semi-urban area near Kanata, Ontario, including trapping (capture-mark-recapture), tagging/tracking (radio/GPS telemetry) and collecting samples (environmental DNA, blood, claw) in order to: 1) model site occupancy and habitat suitability, 2) estimate population size and evaluate long-term trends, 3) assess population structure, gene flow, and estimate genetic diversity and effective population size, and 4) evaluate the effectiveness of mitigation measures (e.g., fencing, culverts, artificial habitat). Specific graduate research projects will be tailored according to student interests and expertise to meet the project needs described above, with strong emphasis on best practices in population monitoring, population viability analysis, spatial dynamics, and conservation biology.
The funding package includes competitive stipends and coverage of all professional expenses. Successful PhD candidates must have an MSc, whereas MSc candidates will have a BSc, in Biology, Ecology, or a related field. Candidates should possess lab and/or field skills, the ability to work independently as well as part of a diverse team, a strong work ethic, and be committed to publishing their research in peer-reviewed journals. Experience in one or more of the following areas is highly desirable: conducting field surveys (for turtles especially), data analysis using R software, occupancy and habitat modeling, GIS, and genetic/environmental DNA analysis.
To apply, please send a cover letter highlighting relevant prior experience and interests, curriculum vitae, unofficial academic transcript, and contact information for 3 references to: Dennis Murray ([email protected]). The successful candidate(s) will be enrolled at Trent University by May or September 2023.
The funding package includes competitive stipends and coverage of all professional expenses. Successful PhD candidates must have an MSc, whereas MSc candidates will have a BSc, in Biology, Ecology, or a related field. Candidates should possess lab and/or field skills, the ability to work independently as well as part of a diverse team, a strong work ethic, and be committed to publishing their research in peer-reviewed journals. Experience in one or more of the following areas is highly desirable: conducting field surveys (for turtles especially), data analysis using R software, occupancy and habitat modeling, GIS, and genetic/environmental DNA analysis.
To apply, please send a cover letter highlighting relevant prior experience and interests, curriculum vitae, unofficial academic transcript, and contact information for 3 references to: Dennis Murray ([email protected]). The successful candidate(s) will be enrolled at Trent University by May or September 2023.