Master & PhD Scholarships, University of Iceland, Ireland (2019)

The University of Iceland (hi.is) seeks bright, hardworking individuals for two graduate positions associated with the research project „Movement patterns and environmental preferences of migratory and resident Atlantic cod juveniles “, funded by the Icelandic Center for Research (RANNIS). The research project involves collaboration between Dr Guðbjörg Ásta Ólafsdottir at the University of Iceland, the Research Centre of the Westfjords, Prof. Steven Campana and Prof. Snæbjörn Pálsson at the University of Iceland, Faculty of Life and Environmental Sciences, Prof. Einar Eg Nielsen at the Danish Technical University and Prof. Stefán Óli Steingrimsson at Holar University College.

The aim of the project is to test if juvenile Atlantic cod of different migratory genotypes differ in behavior, environmental preferences, habitat use and distribution. We will ask if juveniles of the migratory cod genotype share some of the same traits as adult cod of the same type, that is, forage more broadly, move more quickly, show bolder behavior and have preferences for cooler, high salinity waters. We then ask if juvenile behavior, environmental and habitat preferences diverge across ontogeny, that is, whether the migratory genotypes become more similar to their adult counterparts, and less similar to juveniles with resident genotypes, as they age. Finally, we intend to test if the correlation of migratory genotypes and migratory phenotypes is plastic.

The work will involve field work, behavioral and environmental preference tests in a laboratory setting, acoustic telemetry in natural habitats and SNP genotyping. The positions offered are for one PhD candidate and one MSc candidates. A second PhD candidate has been hired. The students should start no later than August 2019.

The PhD candidate will be enrolled at the Faculty of Life and Environmental Sciences at the University of Iceland, but based at the University of Iceland’s Research Centre of the Westfjords. Applicants should have an MSc degree in biology, aquatic ecology, or similar, have a strong academic background, the ability to independently solve technical problems in the laboratory and field and be able to work independently in demanding situations. Prior experience in fish ecology is preferred and prior experience in aquatic telemetry and/or fish husbandry is an advantage. The PhD candidate will be funded for 3 years with the possibility of an extension.

The MSc candidate will be enrolled at the Faculty of Life and Environmental Sciences at the University of Iceland, but based at the University of Iceland’s Research Centre of the Westfjords and the Danish Technical University. Applicants should hold a BSc degree in biology or a related disciplinary, have a strong academic record, be capable of working under demanding conditions in the field and SNP genotyping in the laboratory. The MSc candidate will receive partial funding for 24 months.

For more information please visit the following link:
Master & PhD Scholarships, University of Iceland, Ireland (2019)