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Graduate Student Positions Available

The Clark Crustacean Health Laboratory at Dalhousie University’s Faculty of Agriculture in Bible Hill, Nova Scotia Canada is currently recruiting graduate students at the PhD and MSc level. We use a variety of molecular and high-throughput sequencing approaches to examine host-pathogen-environment-microbiome interactions on ecologically and commercially important decapod crustaceans. Our team performs a variety of in vivo and in vitro laboratory-based experimentation with opportunities for field sampling. Members of our team have the opportunity to gain experience in a variety of experimental approaches including RNA-seq, microbiome diversity characterization, cell culture, common molecular biology and microbiology techniques, basic microscopy and histology, behaviour analysis and field sample collection.
A PhD position is currently available on a project that that is currently investigating shell disease in the American lobster. This project will involve characterizing the microbial diversity in shell disease lesions and the impact that these lesions have on the gene expression of important host tissues. The ideal candidate is a motivated and hard-working individual with an MSc in a life-science field with experience and knowledge related to molecular biology and/or genomics.

One or more MSc positions are available for students interested in crustacean health and stress response. The Clark lab has an immediate opening for a MSc position on a collaborative project with the State of Maine to test and develop molecular, non-invasive methods to determine the size at maturity of female lobsters. Our lab has broad interests including comparative molecular immunology, pathogen diversity and host response, impact of climate change on crustacean physiology and in silico characterization of crustacean antimicrobial peptides. Ideal candidates will be a hard-working individual with a passion for science and a Honours BSc degree. A background in the areas of molecular biology and genomics are an asset but not required.
A successful applicant will receive a stipend of $21,500 per year (3 years for PhD or 2 years for MSc).

For more information please contact Dr. Fraser Clark (fraser.clark@dal.ca).

Deadline for applications:  August 28, 2020​