Graduate Opportunity (MSc)

Graduate Opportunity (MSc)
Spatial Genomic analysis of North American Mountain Pine Beetle Outbreaks

We are recruiting an MSc student to investigate the spatial genomic
patterns among outbreak populations of mountain pine beetle across
North America.  This will involve collaborative work among a number of
Canada Universities and Canadian Forest Service conducted under funding
to the TRIA project (see www.thetriaproject.ca).  The work will build
upon previous spatial genetic studies (e.g., Samarasekera et al 2012;
Janes et al 2014) by using a genotype-by-sequencing approach to explore
genomic differences among outbreak populations and to identify loci
under selection.  Results of this study will improve our understanding
of the genetic differences among mountain pine beetle outbreaks and
provide needed information for the management and predictive modeling
of future outbreaks.

The qualified student will conduct the majority of their course work and
research at the Prince George campus of the University of Northern BC,
but will also have the opportunity to engage in courses and meetings
involving TRIA members from other Canadian Universities.  UNBC is
a small, but dynamic research intensive university (www.unbc.ca).
The Prince George area offers abundant outdoor recreation activities.
Please see our website for more information on the Natural Resources
and Environmental Studies Graduate Program including degree requirements
and expectations (www.unbc.ca/nres/).

Qualifications: This is a challenging, but rewarding project requiring a
range of interests and aptitudes.  Preferably, the successful applicant
will have a degree in biology or ecology.  Previous experience and
coursework in insect biology, population genetic and/or molecular ecology
are an asset.  The student should be willing to work in a collaborative
environment with multiple University and Government research partners.

Ideally the MSc will begin in Sept 2014, although later start dates
will be considered.  We anticipate a competitive stipend (~20,000/year)
and full funding to support lab and other research activities.

For further information please contact Dr. Brent Murray
(brent.murray@unbc.ca; 1-250-960-5638; http://web.unbc.ca/~murrayb).

Samarasekera NG, Bartell N, Lindgren BS, Cooke JEK, Davis CS, James PMA,
Coltman DW, Mock KE, and Murray BW. (2012)  Spatial Genetic Structure of
the Mountain Pine Beetle (Dendroctonus ponderosae) Outbreak in Western
Canada: Historical patterns and contemporary dispersal. Molecular Ecology,
21:2931-2948.

Janes JK, Li Y, Keeling CI, Yuen MMS, Boone CK, Cooke JEK, Bohlmann
J, Huber PW, Murray BW, Coltman DW and Sperling FAH (2014) How the
mountain pine beetle (Dendroctonus ponderosae) breached the Canadian
Rocky Mountains.  Molecular Biology and Evolution advanced press, April
22, 2014; doi: 10.1093/molbev/msu135

Brent Murray