Dear MARMAM readers,

The Cetacean Ecology, Behaviour and Evolution Lab (CEBEL) at the School of Biological Sciences, Flinders University (South Australia), is currently seeking two highly motivated students: 1) a MSc student to investigate the population demographics of bottlenose dolphins in the North West Cape, Western Australia; and 2) a PhD student to investigate the underlying behavioural mechanisms and the function(s) of interspecific interactions and mixed species associations in sympatric inshore dolphins. Both projects on offer will make use of an already available three-year dataset, new data to be collected during the project and integrative methodologies including focal follows, behavioural observations, biopsy sampling, mark-recapture and ecological modelling.

These projects are part of a collaborative research program between CEBEL and Murdoch University Cetacean Research Unit (MUCRU) which is aimed at enhancing our understanding of natural populations of inshore dolphins and using this knowledge to improve the scientific basis behind their conservation and management.

The successful applicants will commence in 2017 and be supervised by Dr. Guido J. Parra (CEBEL) and Professor Lars Bejder (MUCRU). We are interested in students who are able to secure an Australian Postgraduate Award Scholarship (APAS)/Flinders University Research Scholarships (FURS) or are able to secure a scholarship from and alternative source (e.g. home government in the case of international students). APAS/ FURS scholarships are available to Australian, New Zealand and Australian permanent residents or international students who have completed an honours or equivalent qualification at an Australian University no more than three years prior to the application closing date. Both positions will be available pending the selected students gain MSc and PhD scholarships.

Requirements:

• BSc(Hons 1) or Masters, or equivalent in an appropriate subject, such as ecology, animal behaviour, marine biology, biology, oceanography, or a related field is required for enrolment in the PhD program.

· A BSc(Hons 1) in an appropriate subject, such as ecology, animal behaviour, marine biology, biology, oceanography, or a related field is required for enrolment in the MSc. program.

• Applicants should have at least one year of experience in collecting and processing ecological data and a strong background in analytical, quantitative and statistical techniques.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel/Access and familiarity with computer packages such as R, MARK and ArcGIS will be advantageous.
• Previous field experience including boat handling, behavioural observations and photo-identification of dolphins.
• Applicants must be willing to relocate to Exmouth, Western Australia, for periods of up to 6 months while doing fieldwork.
• An Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) Certificate of Competency as a Coxswain or the willingness to obtain one.

Application Details:

Interested applicants should send an expression of interest to Dr. Guido J. Parra (guido.parra@flinders.edu.au) no later than 19^th September. Please send a single PDF file containing:

1. A letter of intent specifying your interest in the specific MSc or Ph.D. Project position
2. Curriculum vitae
3. Names and contact details of two references familiar with your research work and work ethics, including your current or past academic supervisor. References will be requested for short listed applicants.
4. A transcript of subjects taken and grades obtained. An official transcript is not necessary - a copy is sufficient.

We aim to contact shortlisted candidates by 26^th September. Shortlisted candidates will be invited to apply for an Australian Postgraduate Award Scholarship Closing Date: 31-10-2016. Applicants should familiarise themselves with the documentation needed for scholarship application so that they are prepared to meet application deadlines.

For scholarship information, see below:

Australian, New Zealand, Australian permanent residents or international students who have completed an honours or equivalent qualification at an Australian University no more than three years prior to the application closing date see: Flinders University Research Scholarships (FURS). Closing Date: 31-10-2016.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me.

All the best,

Guido

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Guido J. Parra, PhD

Senior Lecturer | School of Biological Sciences Flinders University

Research leader | Cetacean Ecology, Behaviour and Evolution Lab (CEBEL)

: Staff: http://www.flinders.edu.au/people/guido.parra

: Lab: www.cebel.org.au

School of Biological Sciences Flinders University

Sturt Road, Bedford Park 5042 SA, Adelaide

GPO Box 2100 Adelaide, SA 5001 Australia

( +61 8 8201 3565|* guido.parra@flinders.edu.au

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