A PhD student will participate in a study funded by the National Oceanographic Partnership Program (NOAA, BOEM, and ONR) on the interactions between a model coastal consumer (Atlantic cod) and measures of marine biodiversity. Assessing marine biodiversity is integral to conservation and management, and techniques are advancing to measure biological processes (e.g., environmental DNA [eDNA], passive acoustics, active acoustics). But it remains unclear how biodiversity measurements across techniques vary with scale through space and time, and at which scales measurements are relevant to local species. The PhD student (advised by Dr. Nathan Furey) will focus on the movements and diet of Atlantic cod in the coastal waters off New Hampshire and the Isles of Shoals as well as Casco Bay off Portland, Maine, through acoustic telemetry and stomach content collection and metabarcoding. The student will integrate Atlantic cod movements and feeding with information on local marine biodiversity, through one or more of the following techniques, dependent upon interest: eDNA, passive acoustics, and active acoustics. The student will have opportunities to collaborate with, or potentially be co-advised, by co-PIs and collaborators (Drs. Alison Watts, Elizabeth Craig, Graham Sherwood, and Jennifer Miksis-Olds, among others). The student will also work closely with another PhD student conducting parallel studies through the perspective of seabirds (already in progress).
Qualifications
We are committed to valuing diverse identities, experiences, and skills. M.S. or extensive B.S./B.A. experience in biology, fisheries, ecology, oceanography, statistics, or other relevant discipline required. Additional quantitative skills, experience working on small vessels and in inclement conditions, and experience with fish biology and behavior, or telemetry or diet studies are a plus. Please note in your cover letter your interest in eDNA, passive acoustics, and/or active acoustics and any relevant experience. If interested in passive acoustics data, please note if you have coursework in partial differential equations and your willingness to take such courses. A willingness to learn and attention to detail and research ethics are necessities. Good communication skills are essential as this project will be collaborative with multiple partners including an exciting team of researchers and resource practitioners.
Applications will be reviewed as they are received. A Spring 2023 start date is ideal, but can be flexible, with start of May 2023 being the latest possible at this time.
Contact Person
Nathan Furey
Contact eMail
Nathan.Furey@unh.edu
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