Fully Funded Ph.D. Position in whale behavioural ecology

We are looking for a skilled and enthusiastic PhD student to join the groups of Dr. Sarah Fortune, the Canadian Wildlife Federation Chair in Large Whale Conservation at Dalhousie University, Halifax (Nova Scotia, Canada) and Dr.Véronique Lesage, Research Scientist at Maurice Lamontagne Institute at Fisheries and Oceans Canada (Mont-Joli, Quebec, Canada).

The project aims to examine diving behaviour and foraging activity of St. Lawrence Estuary beluga in the context of noise exposure using digital-tag behavioural and acoustic data. This project and the 4-year PhD position is funded by Fisheries and Oceans Canada. Dr. Véronique Lesage is the project lead, and will co-supervise the successful candidate during their program. The student will be offered with various opportunities to work in the field with small and large marine mammals in the Estuary and Gulf of St. Lawrence.

Applicants should possess an internationally-recognised Master’s degree from an accredited institution with peer-review publication experience. Candidates should be self-motivated, and able to work within a team framework. They should have an interest in applied ecology, and a strong background in behavioural ecology, statistics and computer science.

Start date: September 2023
PhD stipend: $37,000 / year (less tuition and fees)

To apply: email your CV and a motivation letter to Veronique Lesage (veronique.lesage@dfo-mpo.gc.ca).