The Burns’ lab in the Department of Biological Sciences at Texas Tech University (https://tinyurl.com/BurnsLab) is searching for three graduate students to participate in two separate, NSF-funded, multi-PI field projects on pinniped ecophysiology and behavior. The first project is focused on individual variation in the diving behavior of lactating female Weddell seals and their pups, requires field work in McMurdo Sound, Antarctica, and is collaborative with Dr. Michelle Shero at WHOI, Dr. Allyson Hindle at University of Nevada Los Vegas, and Dr. Briggs at University of Alaska Anchorage. The second project focuses on the role of iron in the physiological development of grey seal pups and their resulting post-weaning movements and diving behavior. One student will focus on pups, and the second on how maternal diet and condition may influence the amount of milk and iron that moms can provide to their pups. The project field work will take place on Sable Island, Canada, and will be conducted in collaboration with partners from the Department of Fisheries and Oceans Canada, Parks Canada, Dr. Michelle Shero, and Dr. Greg Breed from University of Alaska Fairbanks. For all projects, we prefer students who have experience with field work, and who have already completed a MSc, although applicants desiring a PhD who do not yet have a MSc will be considered if they can demonstrate strong analytical or laboratory skills. Students will be provided with stipend support, as well as tuition and fees; some student teaching is expected. More information on the Department of Biological Sciences can be found at https://www.depts.ttu.edu/biology/ . If interested, please send a statement of interest, your CV, and unofficial transcripts (if available) to jenn.burns@ttu.edu