M.Sc. or Ph.D. - Research Assistantship in Physiological Ecology Department of Natural Resources Science, University of Rhode Island

Project: Nutritional ecology of seasonal fattening in migratory birds
A research assistantship is available at the M.Sc. or Ph.D. level to study the nutritional ecology of seasonal fattening in small migratory songbirds. Primary goal of this research is to determine how dietary fatty acids and antioxidants affect diet choices, metabolism of fatty acids, and exercise performance of songbirds. The work includes (a) measuring fatty acid composition of diets and depot fat in migrating songbirds, (b) conducting experiments with wild-caught songbirds that focus on how dietary antioxidants influence metabolism of fatty acids, and (c) conducting experiments with flying birds in a windtunnel that focus on how fatty acid composition and antioxidants affect exercise performance of songbirds. This project is a planned four-year effort (starting 1 August 2005) that will include additional graduate students and postdocs.
Most field work will be conducted at bird-banding stations on Block Island (ca. 15 km off the mainland) and in Kingston, Rhode Island. Captive animal facilities are on the University of Rhode Island's main campus in Kingston. Windtunnel experiments with flying birds will be conducted at the Max Planck Institute for Ornithology in Germany.
Qualifications: Applicants must have completed an undergraduate degree in animal biology or ecology, earned at least a 3.2 GPA, must have taken the GRE, and must have excellent oral and written communication skills. Field experience with songbird capture and handling, and interest in physiological ecology are required. Experience with analysis of fatty acids using a mass spec/GC is highly desirable although not essential. However, experience with quantitative laboratory skills is required. Ability to work collaboratively and to supervise research assistants and undergraduates working in the field and the laboratory is also required. Nine-month stipends are approx. $15,000/yr and tuition is paid. Summer salary is also available. Starting date may be as early as June 2005 and no later than September 2005. Windtunnel experiments in Germany start during fall 2005.
To apply submit the following: a letter stating your qualifications and research interests, a resume, college transcripts, GRE scores, and 3 letters of reference by no later than 1 February 2005 (early application is encouraged) to:
Dr. Scott R. McWilliams
Dept. Natural Resources Science, University of Rhode Island, Kingston, RI 02881 401-874-7531; srmcwilliams@uri.edu
Selected candidates will be asked to apply to the Graduate School of University of Rhode Island.