Hi All, Apologies for cross-posting, please see below: *HONOURS OPPORTUNITY with the **AUSTRALIAN MARINE MAMMAL CONSERVATION FOUNDATION (AMMCF) and DEAKIN UNIVERSITY for **/PROJECT BURRUNAN/* _/Australian citizen applicants only/_*_. _* ** The Australian Marine Mammal Conservation Foundation (AMMCF), in affiliation with Deakin University, is currently seeking applications from highly qualified candidates for a BSc Honours project (research-based) investigating the spatial ecology of the Burrunan dolphin (/Tursiops australis/) in Victoria, Australia. This project is a part of AMMCFs larger research program /Project Burrunan/ led by Dr Kate Charlton-Robb andwill be offered in affiliation with Deakin University, co-supervised by Associate Professor John Arnould. *Background & Project overview* A new species of dolphin, the Burrunan dolphin (/Tursiops australis/), endemic to southern Australia, has recently been described (Charlton-Robb et al. 2011). /Tursiops australis/ are currently known to inhabit inshore regions of Victoria, Tasmania and South Australia. Recent research shows the species consist of small genetically distinct populations susceptible to numerous threats and is likely to be of grave conservation concern (Charlton-Robb et al. 2014). /Tursiops australis/ has also recently been listed under the Victorian State Flora and Fauna Guarantee Act as ‘threatened’. Gippsland Lakes is one of only two places in Victoria that /T. australis /has an established a resident population, as such greater scientific knowledge underpinning the correct management and conservation is crucial. The Australian Marine Mammal Conservation Foundation (AMMCF), a newly established not-for-profit organisation, has it's primary mission to “strive to support and work with Australia’s marine mammal scientists and researchers to establish and advance the knowledge, conservation and protection of our marine mammals.” AMMCFs /Project Burrunan/ focuses on using applied research to further investigate the Burrunan dolphin. The general aims of the project is to assess the species' distribution and range, gain better estimates of overall population size & structure, assess the level of gene flow between the discrete populations and to assess potential migration pathways. This project will also investigate the presence and habitat use of the Burrunan//across coastal and offshore regions of Victoria to identify regions of significance to the dolphin. We are seeking applications from highly motivated, dedicated, high achieving students for the following Project; *Spatial ecology of Burrunan dolphins in the Gippsland Lakes*using Geographic Information Systems (GIS). Mapping environmental, spatial and dolphin sighting data to identify areas of significance within the Lakes and Gippsland coastal region. Project One will be offered as a Trimester One January 2015 start. ** *Requirements* ·Bachelor of Science degree, with a minimum of Distinction average. ·Experience in collecting and processing ecological data. ·Proficiency in Microsoft and statistical packages. ·Experience with GIS software. ·Experience in marine mammal research. *Application Process* Please send your applicant containing the following: 1.A covering letter outlining your relevant experience and interest in the project. 2.Curriculum Vitae 3.Current academic transcript 4.Two relevant referees who are familiar with your academic, research and ethical record. Please forward the above to Dr Kate Charlton-Robbkcr@ammcf.org.au. Applications will be considered and we will contact you with further information. /Australian citizen applicants only. Unfortunately given the timing restrictions of the Honours course we are only able to offer the project to Australian citizens./ *CLOSING DATE: 1^st November 2014* -- Dr Kate-Charlton-Robb Principal Researcher Australian Marine Mammal Conservation Foundation PO Box 2046 Hampton East VIC 3188 e: kcr@ammcf.org.au w: ammcf.org.au