BIONET

Master of Science (MSc) - Gut Microbiome of Carabid Beetles

Employer:
Burg Group, University of Lethbridge

Type:
MSc Student

Description:

About 400 species of carabid beetles form an abundant and diverse assemblage in agricultural systems throughout the Canadian Prairies. Most of these species are considered beneficial by virtue of being parasitoids or predators of pest insects, or by feeding on weed seeds. The taxonomy, distribution and life-history for most of these beetles is well-known, and large numbers of specimens can be readily collected with use of pitfall traps.  Because of these features, carabid beetles have been extensively studied as biological indicators of environmental change.

The gut microbiome of insects plays a critical role in the breakdown and assimilation of food items by the host.  Factors that affect the microbiome (e.g., diet, chemicals residues, temperature) can influence the survival and reproduction fitness of the host and the ecosystem services that they provide.  Few studies have described the gut microbiome of carabid species.

The proposed research will use next generation sequencing methods to compare the gut microbiome of selected carabid species representing different trophic levels (e.g., parasitoid, predator, seed-feeder) under different conditions such as diet, crop type (e.g., cereal, oilseed), and exposure to agricultural chemicals (e.g., herbicides, fungicides).

Knowledge and expertise on next generation sequencing methods, bioinformatics and microbial communities is an asset.  This project has broad applications for research in water, soil, crop and livestock systems.

The successful applicant will be co-supervised by Drs. Theresa Burg (Department of Biological Sciences, University of Lethbridge) and Kevin Floate (Lethbridge Research and Development Centre, Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada).

Students interested in pursing this opportunity are encouraged to send an email to Dr. Theresa Burg (theresa.burg@uleth.ca) before Jan 10 2022. Applications received after this date will not be considered.

Post-Doctoral Fellow - Cellular and Molecular Biology

Employer:
Thakor Group, University of Lethbridge

Type:
Post-Doctoral Fellow

Description:

One immediate opening for the postdoctoral fellow in the area of cellular and molecular biology is available in the Thakor Research Group at the University of Lethbridge, Alberta, Canada.

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The project to be completed falls under the general theme of cellular and molecular biology, with applications to human health, which builds on the expertise in the Thakor lab. In broad terms, the aim of the project to be explored by the postdoctoral fellow is to investigate the regulation of protein synthesis in stress and cancer.

The project is focused on studying the mechanistic details of the non-canonical translation initiation. The candidate will utilize various in vitro and in cellulo experimental setup.  Previous research experience in the field of biochemistry and/or molecular biology is required. Key technical skills required are mammalian tissue culture, protein expression and purification, Western blot, qRT-PCR and gene expression. Skills in RNA structure-function analysis and RNA genomics will be an asset.   

The ideal candidate is a motivated, creative researcher looking for a stimulating work environment, and careful mentorship. Strong communication skills and a good work ethic are essential. Preference will be given to the candidates who are eligible to apply for NSERC and CIHR postdoctoral fellowships. The selected candidate will have an opportunity to apply for the RNA Innovation opportunity (https://blogs.ulethbridge.ca/rnainnovation/admissions/).

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The postdoctoral fellow will take up a position at the University of Lethbridge (UofL). The UofL provides a dynamic research environment with groups working on biochemistry, biological sciences, neuroscience, and other areas of basic sciences. Thakor lab’s affiliations with various institutes including the Arnie Charbonneau Cancer Institute, Canadian Center for Behavioral Neuroscience, and Southern Alberta Genome Science Centre as well as the Department of Biological Sciences will provide integrated and collaborative research and training opportunities. The Thakor lab has established various collaborations in and outside of Canada, providing access to research facilities and scientific expertise beyond the University of Lethbridge.

The UofL is located in Lethbridge, which is the largest city in southern Alberta, Canada, populated by about 100,000 people. It is favorably situated within driving distance of many attractive destinations, including the Rocky Mountains, Waterton Lakes National Park, the cities of Calgary and Edmonton, and ski resorts including Castle Mountain, Fernie, BC, and Whitefish, Montana, USA.

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Please send a letter of motivation, current curriculum vitae, and contact information for at least three references to thakor.lab@uleth.ca. We thank all interested candidates; however, we will contact selected candidates only.