Sea lampreys are phylogenetically ancient jawless fishes that diverged from the main vertebrate lineage over 400 million years ago. In addition to being a fascinating model for studying the evolution of physiological processes in vertebrates, sea lamprey are also the focus of research aimed at better controlling their populations in the Laurentian Great Lakes, which they invaded in the early 20th century.  We are seeking to hire a postdoctoral fellow (PDF) to conduct and to oversee a multi-year project in which the aim is to develop a lamprey-rearing program to learn more about basic lamprey biology and to develop novel methods of sea lamprey control in the Great Lakes. The project is a multi-institutional collaborative initiative funded by the Great Lakes Fishery Commission involving scientists from Michigan State University, University of Manitoba, University of Winnipeg, State University of New York – Brockport, the U.S. Geological Survey, as well as Laurier.

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Duties: Based at Wilfrid Laurier University (WLU), Waterloo, Ontario, the PDF will help mentor 2-3 graduate students, with studies primarily taking place at WLU and at the Hammond Bay Biological Station, Millersburg, Michigan, U.S.A. Working with our collaborators, the PDF will lead studies on how the physiology of lab-reared sea lamprey compares to that of sea lamprey caught in the wild. Specific projects will focus on how the physiological responses to stress, exercise, environmental conditions and differences in diet differ between larval sea lamprey reared from hatch in the lab compared to wild animals. 

 

Qualifications: The PDF will have: (i) a Ph.D. in the biological sciences or other related discipline, preferably in the area of vertebrate physiology; (ii) expertise in fish collection, the use of biochemical approaches (assays) to measure proximate body composition and energy stores in tissues, molecular approaches including RT-qPCR and western blot analyses, blood, tissue and water chemistry analysis, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISA), fish behaviour, and respirometry to monitor fish metabolism; (iii) a valid passport and drivers licence for travel between the U.S. and Canada for research projects.

 

Experience: The PDF should have: (i) demonstrated excellence in leading research projects; (ii) a record and commitment to mentoring undergraduate and/or graduate students of different backgrounds, including under-represented groups, in accordance with basic principles of equity, diversity and inclusion; (iii) a solid record of peer-reviewed publication and research presentations/outreach at local, national or international meetings or workshops.

 

Salary and duration of appointment:  $ 52,000 - 55,000 per year. Two-year initial appointment, with possibility for renewal dependent upon funding. We seek to provide competitive postdoctoral salaries that are compatible with living in Waterloo, Ontario. Starting salary will be commensurate with the level of experience.

Starting date: January or May 2023.

 

Applications: Interested applicants should contact Dr. Michael Wilkie, Department of Biology, Wilfrid Laurier University. Email: mwilkie@wlu.ca. Applications should include a cover letter explaining how their background and qualifications make them suitable for the position, an up-to-date curriculum vitae (CV) and the names of two referees. 

 

We seek to further build a diverse, inclusive and supportive team of researchers and trainees at WLU, and encourage all qualified individuals to apply. We especially welcome applications from qualified members of equity-deserving groups. Indigenous candidates who would like to learn more about equity and inclusive programing at Laurier are welcomed to contact the Office of Indigenous Initiatives at indigenous@wlu.ca. Candidates from other equity-deserving groups who would like to learn more about equity and inclusive programing at Laurier are welcomed to contact Equity & Accessibility at equity@wlu.ca. Learn more about postdoctoral fellows at Laurier via the following link https://www.wlu.ca/academics/faculties/graduate-and-postdoctoral-studies/postdoctoral-fellows/index.html. 

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Review of applications will begin on November 20, 2022 and continue until a suitable candidate is hired. 

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Contact information:

Dr. Michael Wilkie. Email: mwilkie@wlu.ca

Department of Biology, Wilfrid Laurier University

 Waterloo, ON, CANADA. N2L 3C5.

 Phone: 519 884-0710 ext. 3313