*MSc position in beluga whale ecology, University of Manitoba* The Natural Resources Institute (NRI) of the University of Manitoba, in collaboration with the Assiniboine Park Zoo of Winnipeg, is seeking one or more graduate students for research on the conservation and ecology of beluga whales in Churchill, Canada. This project will use non-invasive methods to study beluga social structure and interactions with watercraft. The successful applicant will assist with, and use data from, an ongoing citizen science project ( https://www.zooniverse.org/projects/stephenresearch/beluga-bits). This project has been active since 2016 and presents a number of research opportunities relating to beluga social structure, habitat use, and monitoring. The study will also include a component evaluating effects of anthropogenic activities on beluga whales. The student will primarily be based in Winnipeg during the year, with the potential for summer field research conducted in Churchill. The Masters position would be within the 2-year Masters of Natural Resources Management program based at the NRI, which is an interdisciplinary program based on completing 9 courses (27 credit hours) and a research thesis. More information on academic programs can be found at http://umanitoba.ca/institutes/natural_resources/. The NRI is an interdisciplinary unit that embraces the need to understand ecology, human dimensions and economic factors that influence environmental sustainability. Required courses thus include Ecological, Human Dimensions, and Economic Dimensions of Natural Resources Management; elective courses vary widely based on student’s interests, but can cover a variety of topics such as environmental impact assessments, policy, law, animal behaviour, parks and protected areas, enthnobotany, and others. Applicants must be prepared to demonstrate a keen interest in ecology and conservation, plus strong research potential and academic background. Preference will be given to applicants with a demonstrated interest in citizen science, or marine mammal ecology or conservation. Applicants eligible for NSERC PGS scholarship funding ( http://www.nserc-crsng.gc.ca/Students-Etudiants/PG-CS/BellandPostgrad-Bellet...) are strongly encouraged to apply. The position is available pending funding. This advertisement is being posted after the University of Manitoba application deadline for international students, and thus only Canadian and American applicants are eligible. Please apply with CV, unofficial transcripts, writing sample (e.g. essay / manuscript), and 3 references (email and phone numbers) to Dr. Nicola Koper at nicola.koper@umanitoba.ca, and Dr. Stephen Petersen at SPetersen@assiniboinepark.ca (please send to both). *The deadline for applications is May 14, 2018*. Please get in touch with Dr. Nicola Koper or Dr. Stephen Petersen if you have further questions. Cheers, Katie Florko -- Katie RN Florko, MSc Polar Bear Research Associate Conservation & Research Department Leatherdale International Polar Bear Conservation Centre Assiniboine Park Zoo Winnipeg, MB Twitter: @kflorko Email: katieflorko@gmail.com