*Position/Title: MS Graduate Assistantship *
*Agency/Location: Humboldt State University Department of Fisheries Biology*
*Responsibilities:** Study conservation genetics of the federally endangered tidewater goby in northern California. Project involves use of a time series of collections to evaluate metapopulation dynamics in tidewater goby. *Project will involve field collection and laboratory genetic assays.
*Successful candidate will work with major advisor to develop a project. Collaboration with the US Fish and Wildlife Service is also expected.*
*Qualifications:** Applicants should have a BS in fisheries, ecology, or a related field with competitive GPA and GRE scores. Prefer experience with genetics methods and exposure to microsatellite genotyping and analysis.*
*Salary: **Approximately $11,550/yr plus $2,600/term towards tuition*
*Closing Date:** until filled*
*Contact:** Submit a letter of interest, resume, unofficial transcripts and GRE scores, and contact information for three references to Andrew Kinziger: Andrew.Kinziger@humboldt.edu. Formal acceptance to the M.S program at Humobldt State University is required.*
*Web link: **http://www.humboldt.edu/fisheries/*
*Additional Project Background:*
The project will be extension of past work recently published in Molecular Ecology (McCraney et al., 2010). The main goal will be to determine levels of genetic diversity, genetic structure, and stability in genetic structure through time (2006 to 2010 or 5-6 generations) in the north coast tidewater goby (Eucyclogobius
newberryi). The interesting conservation genetics question would involve studying metapopulation dynamics focusing on the potential for recolonization of extirpated populations. Previous investigations of the federally endangered tidewater goby showed that artificially fragmented populations within Humboldt Bay exhibited higher genetic differentiation and lower genetic diversity relative to naturally fragmented populations (McCraney et al. 2010). It was unclear whether these patterns were the result of multidecadal isolation and lack of migration among geographically separated populations or if periodic recolonization of fragmented habitats combined with founder effects (e.g., metapopulation dynamics) were responsible. Determining which process is operating can provide insights into the extent of migration between Humboldt Bay tidewater goby populations. Such information is key for management because it would indicate the likelihood of re-colonization of extirpated populations.
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Andrew P. Kinziger, Ph.D.
Associate Professor and Curator of Fishes
Department of Fisheries Biology
Humboldt State University
One Harpst Street
Arcata CA 95521