MSc and PhD positions in Microbial Ecology at Western University, Canada

MSc or PhD positions are available to investigate microbial interactions of lower aquatic food webs at Western University in London, Ontario, Canada.  Specific projects include examining the diets of zooplankton, parasites of zooplankton, and the ecological role of heterotrophic or mixotrophic protists.  
 
Applicants chosen for the position will be guaranteed stipend funding for the typical duration of their degree (2 years for an MSc, 4 years for a PhD), but should be competitive for external funding opportunities and will be expected to apply for internal and external funding.
 
Applicants should have at minimum a B.Sc degree in Biology, Microbiology, Bioinformatics or equivalent.  Experience in basic microbiology, environmental microbiology/microbial ecology, molecular biology, aquatic biology, and/or bioinformatics is preferred, especially DNA/RNA extraction techniques, PCR, and working with UNIX, R and/or Python.  Field experience working in aquatic environments is also an asset.
 
These positions will be under the supervision of Dr. Vera Tai.  The Tai lab has broad ranging interests in the ecology and evolution of microorganisms, with a focus on using genomic and metagenomic tools and developing complementary field and lab techniques. Applicants chosen for the position can expect opportunities for aquatic field research, travel to national and international conferences, supportive mentorship, and encouragement to develop other career-related skills.  Please visit publish.uwo.ca/~vtai4 for more information about the Tai lab.
 
Interested applicants should send an e-mail to vtai4@uwo.ca including:
 
1) a cover letter explaining your motivation, skills and experience for this position
2) your CV, including contact information for 2 references
3) your university transcript (unofficial is fine)
 
Application deadline:  June 30th 2018, or until position is filled
 
These positions are available only to Canadian Citizens and Permanent Residents of Canada.
 
Vera Tai, MSc, PhD
Assistant Professor
Departments of Biology and Statistical & Actuarial Sciences
Western University
1151 Richmond Street
London, Ontario, Canada
N6A 5B7
tel: 519-661-2111 ext. 86209
email: vtai4@uwo.ca