I have funding available for up to three MSc projects: a) genomic/transcriptional analysis (RNAseq) to identify novel pathways underlying clutch size determination, b) the role of p-glycoproteins in hormone-mediated maternal effects, or c) metabolic phenotype and individual optimization of egg size.  Projects will utilize our captive-breeding population of zebra finches (Taeniopygia guttata), and/or our long-term nest-box breeding population of European starlings (Sturnus vulgaris).

General requirements: Strong academic background (GPA >3.0), a commitment to graduate school and basic research, and a genuine interest in integrating cell/physiology and evolutionary biology. I am looking for students who have some undergraduate research experience and, specifically, experience of lab work, including cell, molecular and physiological techniques (e.g. hormone/metabolite assays, immunofluorescence, Western blot, transcriptomic, proteomic analysis). Start date September 2024 (or possible January 2025).

For more information contact: Tony D. Williams, Dept Biological Sciences, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, V5A1S6, Canada, tdwillia@sfu.ca Lab web page https://tonydwilliamslab.weebly.com/