Location
Department of Biological Sciences, University of Manitoba, Canada
Contact
Dirk Weihrauch
Email: Dirk.weihrauch@umanitoba.ca
Phone: 1-204 4746310
University of Manitoba (Canada): PhD and MSc – Ammonia Transporters in Fish and Invertebrates
Join the Weihrauch lab (The Crab Lab)! We are specialized investigating acid-base regulatory mechanisms and processes involved in the excretion of toxic nitrogenous waste products. Currently, we have 2 open positions and seeking for 2 highly motivated graduate students: one PhD student and one MSc student, preferable with an honors degree.
What is this about?
We recently have identified novel ammonia transporters in crustaceans, the horseshoe crab, but also in fish. The goal of the projects is to investigate the transport characteristics of these transporters (oocyte expression system) and identify their particular role in the animal’s ammonia excretion, ammonia protection, or prey sensing mechanism. Naturally, all research will also consider evolutionary aspects.
Depending on the program, M.Sc. or Ph.D., the studies will either focus on one species, or in a comparative manner, on multiple species, respectively. According to the preference of the candidates, these species may include invertebrates such as lobsters, Dungeness crabs, green crabs, crayfish, horseshoe crabs but also fish (e.g. trout, hagfish, lamprey, elasmobranchs) depending on transcriptome and tissue availability.
My Lab Philosophy:
In my laboratory we follow an integrative research approach, combining experiments on the living animal (e.g. metabolic rates, hemolymph parameters), transport physiological methods (perfused gills, Ussing chamber experiments, electrophysiology), molecular techniques (qPCR & functional expression of transporters in oocytes), and imaging techniques. Accordingly, a strong background in animal physiology and molecular and/or imaging methodology is an asset, but not required.
Facilities:
Although landlocked, our Department entertains circulatory seawater systems for marine studies, as well as freshwater facilities. We are also equipment with temperature, light and humidity adjustable environmental rooms.
Opportunities:
Depending on the project, the opportunity for an extended research stay (up to 3 month) at marine biological stations (e.g. Academia Sinica, Taiwan; GEOMAR, Kiel, Germany; Bamfield Marine Sciences Centre, Vancouver Island) will be given. Students will present their work on national (CSZ) and international (e.g. SEB, SICB) meetings.
Start dates: January 2022 or upon agreement.
Requirements: The candidate must have a minimum score of 75 out of 100% (or equivalent) in order to apply successfully for internal and external funding. For international students a valid TOEFL-test (or equivalent) is required in addition to excellent communication and writing skills (English).
Salary:
Funding is available above NSERC rates (MSc = $14,800.00 USD/year; PhD = 17,900.00 USD/year), but it is expected that candidates apply also for external and internal funding.
NOTE: Tuition fees are low! For the 1. year at U. of Manitoba fees are ca. $4,700 US, in the 2nd year considerably less (ca. half). Fees include also health insurance and public transportation!
How to apply?
If you are interested, please provide your updated CV, an unofficial transcript, a copy of M.Sc. or B.Sc. thesis (if available at this point), and contact information of at least 2 references. You may also like to outline your research interest in a cover letter.
Interviews will start immediately and will continue till the positions are filled.
Please contact me directly by email: Dirk.weihrauch@umanitoba.ca, or phone: 1-204 4746310 for any questions.
For more information, see also: https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Dirk-Weihrauch
Note: The University of Manitoba is an Equal Opportunity employer that does not discriminate against an employee or applicant based upon race, color, religion, creed, national origin or ancestry, ethnicity, gender (including gender expressions, gender identity, and sexual orientation), marital status, age, disability, and citizenship. Applications from first nation students are encouraged to apply.
