The Iwaniuk lab at the University of Lethbridge currently has an opening for a MSc or PhD student interested in avian paleoneurology. The successful applicant will work on a collaborative project with the National Museum of Natural History (Smithsonian Institution) on the brain and sensory system anatomy of extinct birds, such as the moa-nalos and other extinct waterfowl of Hawai'i. The project will rely primarily on micro-CT scanning of subfossil specimens and histology of extant species, with the overall aim of improving our understanding of avian sensory abilities and their evolution. As part of this research, the successful applicant will learn histology, digital microscopy, quantitative analyses of CT-scans, and dissections as well as have access to the largest bird brain collection in the world (over 200 species), which is housed exclusively in our lab. Other collaborative opportunities may also be available depending on the student's specific research interests and goals. Potential applicants should have research experience in ornithology, paleontology, comparative anatomy, or neuroanatomy. Previous experience with R is necessary, but other specific techniques can be taught within our lab and those of our collaborators. The University of Lethbridge offers competitive scholarship funding, including tuition waivers for domestic and international students, that are based primarily on grades and research experience. This will be supplemented by funds from currently held research grants and students are welcome to apply for additional scholarship support. In addition, students in the Iwaniuk lab receive support to attend international conferences. To apply, please send the following to: andrew.iwaniuk@uleth.ca: 1) a c.v. 2) unofficial copies of academic transcripts 3) contact details of at least 2 academic references 4) a brief description of your research interests Applications are due by 15 January 2025 with the School of Graduate Studies for students wishing to begin in May or September 2025. Dr. Andrew N. Iwaniuk Professor Department of Neuroscience University of Lethbridge Lethbridge AB T1K 3M4 Canada office: +1 403 332 5288 Bird-brain (bûrd brãn)1. a person regarded as silly or stupid. https://bsky.app/profile/evoneuro.bsky.social "Iwaniuk, Andrew" (to subscribe/unsubscribe the EvolDir send mail to golding@mcmaster.ca)