The Brauner and Matthews labs in the Department of Zoology at the University of British Columbia (UBC) are recruiting a master’s student (MSc) for May 1st, 2024. The prospective student will be conducting research under a British Columbia Salmon Restoration and Innovation Fund (BCSRIF) funded project, investigating the roles of water acidification and habitat on imprinting and homing in Pacific salmon. Olfaction is a critical physiological system linked to the remarkable ability of Pacific salmon to return from the ocean to their natal streams to complete their life cycle. Pacific salmon are raised in conservation aquaculture programs to enhance wild stocks; however, it is not known if the conditions fish are raised under ultimately affect their imprinting and homing abilities. Findings from the prospective student’s research will be communicated to government partners with the goal of improving Pacific salmon conservation aquaculture practices.
Prospective students with an interest in animal physiology and cellular and developmental biology are encouraged to apply. The thesis project will focus on investigating mechanisms by which aquatic acidification via carbon dioxide (CO2) and habitat complexity affect the development of the olfactory system in Pacific salmon during early ontogeny. Working with UBC and hatcheries within the province, the prospective student will be responsible for generating and analyzing data and writing manuscripts for publication in peer-reviewed scientific journals. The prospective student will learn and apply a range of comparative physiology techniques, including techniques spanning electrophysiology, molecular physiology, and endocrinology to address their research questions. In addition to opportunities to collaborate within the Brauner and Matthews labs, the prospective student will work directly with a BCSRIF-funded postdoctoral researcher and part-time technician.
To apply, please email Dr. Ian Bouyoucos (ian.bouyoucos@zoology.ubc.ca) with 1) a cover letter including a statement of interest in the project and any relevant experiences for the position, and 2) a curriculum vitae. The application deadline is December 15th, 2023. Please include the subject line “Pacific salmon olfaction” in your email. To learn more about Dr. Brauner’s and Dr. Matthews’ research programs, see the Brauner lab (https://brauner-home.zoology.ubc.ca/) and Matthews lab (http://mosquitolab.zoology.ubc.ca/) websites.