PROJECT OVERVIEW
Come work with the Jones and Garroway labs at the University of Manitoba, and with Evan Richardson at Environment and Climate Change Canada! Our groups are an inclusive and diverse environment, and we encourage applications from people in groups that have been historically excluded from STEM, including but not limited to women, visible minorities, LGTBQ2+, and persons with disabilities.
Polar bears in Canada are a Species of Special Concern. This project will assess the population-level health of polar bears from across the Canadian Arctic, and some zoo animals, by exploring spatial patterns in the biological age of individuals, population changes in mean biological age through time, and the relationship between biological age and environments. Lifetime stress tends to accelerate biological age, so that individuals who have lived more stressful lives tend to be older than their chronological age. Because biological age reflects overall health it is a good measure of lifetime experiences. Management action in response to population declines and the loss of genetic diversity is critical but can only occur in response to declines that have occurred or are occurring. Explorations of patterns of biological ageing patterns indicative of population-level stress could help target management action before or in the early stages of decline, periods where they should be more effective.
We will estimate biological age using new molecular tools that quantify age-related DNA methylation patterns in mammals. We have the molecular and lab expertise covered by the collaborative research team. We are most interested in a statistically strong conservation-minded person for this position.
The supervisory research team includes Meaghan Jones (http://www.joneslaboratory.ca/ ), Evan Richardson (https://www.canada.ca/en/environment-climate-change/campaigns/50-years-environmental-action/people-eccc/evan-richardson.html), and Colin Garroway (www.garroway-lab.com). Please send any questions about the position to colin.garroway@umanitoba.ca and one of us will respond.
RESPONSIBILITIES
- To contribute significantly to and lead the experimental design, data interpretation, and statistical analysis related to the above-described research objectives.
- To trial new statistical techniques as required and keep abreast of the research literature relevant to the project.
- Disseminate research through publications in peer-reviewed journals.
- To attend and contribute to research seminars, departmental meetings, and international conferences.
- Carry out administrative roles as required, e.g. organising physical or remote meetings with collaborators and arranging travel to meetings.
- Perform professional activities such as refereeing papers, editing journals, refereeing research grants, external examining, organising conferences, committee membership, and involvement with professional bodies.
The ideal candidate will:
- Have a PhD (current or expected at commencement of contract) in conservation biology, statistics biology, or conservation genetics.
- Have a track record of success in both funding and publications
- Have demonstrated experience in statistics
- Be enthusiastic about working in an interdisciplinary team, both collaboratively and independently
- Be prepared to establish leadership of the project, with previous demonstrated management skills a strong asset
Position start date - We’re targeting a start in April 2022, but we can be flexible with start dates. Funding is for two years.
Closing date for applications - We will begin review of applications 21 Feb 2022 and the position will remain open until filled
Rank - Post-doctoral fellow (start must be within 4 years of receiving PhD)
Salary - $50,000-$55,000 per annum (plus benefits), commensurate with
qualifications and experience
Salary - $50,000-$55,000 per annum (plus benefits), commensurate with
qualifications and experience
CONTACT
Applicants should send their curriculum vitae, a brief cover letter expressing their research experience and research interests, and the names of two referees by email to:
Colin Garroway
Associate Professor
Department of Biological Sciences,
University of Manitoba
garroway-lab.com
Colin.garroway@umanitoba.ca
Applicants should send their curriculum vitae, a brief cover letter expressing their research experience and research interests, and the names of two referees by email to:
Colin Garroway
Associate Professor
Department of Biological Sciences,
University of Manitoba
garroway-lab.com
Colin.garroway@umanitoba.ca
