Canada International PhD Opportunity- Canadian Rivers Institute

December 9, 2007

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PhD Opportunity
Survival and behaviour of fishes in rivers of variable winter severity

The Canadian Rivers Institute is looking for an independent, resourceful, and motivated individual to conduct a unique doctoral research project. Previous research on the winter ecology of riverine fishes has improved our understanding of how salmonid fishes react to declining temperatures and ice conditions, and the microhabitats and mesohabitats selected. However, reach-scale movements and the determination of mortality for different species and life-stages remain largely unknown, particularly in early winter and spring when emigration confounds estimates of mortality.

The objective of the doctoral research project is to measure the movement and survival of individual, wild Atlantic salmon (parr), brook trout and non-salmonid fishes between autumn and spring in small and medium-sized rivers in eastern Canada. Survival of salmonid eggs will also be determined and compared between streams with relatively mild winter thermal regimes (Prince Edward Island) and those with extended periods of ice cover (New Brunswick). The project will involve significant periods of winter field-work with some manipulative experimentation in laboratory settings, and modelling of population dynamics. Monitoring of fish movement will be accomplished using PIT (passive integrated transponder) and acoustic technology with fixed stations and active tracking of tagged individuals.

Applicants will have a strong academic record and previous experience working with stream fishes, preferably in the area of ecology and/or population dynamics. Experience with PIT technology or biotelemetry, and mark-recapture population models would be a definite asset.

The student will be located at the Canadian Rivers Institute (CRI) at the University of New Brunswick (UNB) in Fredericton, New Brunswick. The CRI is an interdisciplinary research institute with >60 students and scientists from diverse academic and government departments interacting to resolve complex problems in aquatic science. Full funding for salary and research is available for a 4-year term.

International students are encouraged to apply. UNB offers a full waiver of international student fees for graduate students registered in doctoral programs.

Deadline for receipt of applications : January 20, 2008. Ideally, the successful candidate will start by April of 2008. Interested individuals should send a letter of interest and full CV to: Dr. Rick Cunjak, Canada Research Chair in River Ecosystem Science Fellow, Canadian Rivers Institute (www.unb.ca/cri/)Department of Biology, and Faculty of Forestry and Environmental ManagementUniversity of New BrunswickFredericton, New Brunswick, CANADA. E3B 6E1Email: cunjak@unb.caTel: 506-452-6204