Our lab at the University of Lethbridge (Lethbridge, Alberta, Canada)
is currently seeking applications from students interested in pursuing
a MSc on the evolutionary neurobiology of birds with a start date of
January or May 2025.

The primary goal of our lab is to understand how and why the anatomy
of the brain varies so much within and across species, with most of our
research focused on birds. Our lab houses one of the largest comparative
brain collections in the world with over 200 bird species ranging from
hummingbirds to vultures. Dedicated lab facilities include: microtomes,
dissection microscopes, fluorescent microscope, high-resolution
digital slide scanner, and PCs for quantifying brain anatomy and 3D
reconstruction of neurons and brains. We also have our own field vehicle
and an assortment of equipment to support the collection of specimens
in the field and from various collaborating organizations (e.g., zoos,
wildlife rehabilitation centres).

The successful applicant will work on a collaborative project aimed at
using digital endocasts (brain models based on CT scans of skulls) and our
brain collection to explore the evolution olfaction and hearing in extinct
and extant birds. This will entail the analysis of micro-CT images, wet
lab work, microscopy, and comparative analyses in R. Applicants must
have a background in biology or neuroscience, experience using R, and
hands-on research experience of any kind. We provide one-on-one training
in dissections, histology, microscopy and micro-CT image analyses.

The successful applicant will receive one-on-one training in dissections,
histology, microscopy and micro-CT image analyses and will work alongside
members of our international, cooperative research team. In addition,
they will have the opportunity to develop professional skills through
graduate courses and workshops offered by the Departments of Neuroscience
and Biological Sciences and the School of Graduate Studies.

The University of Lethbridge offers competitive scholarship funding,
including tuition waivers, for domestic and international students, that
are based on grades and research experience. This will be supplemented by
funds from currently held research grants. In addition, students in our
lab receive support to present their results at national or international
conferences annually.

To apply, please send to andrew.iwaniuk@uleth.ca the following by 1
September 2024 for the next round of graduate applications:
1) a cover letter outlining your research interests and reason
   for applying
2) c.v.
3) unofficial copies of academic transcripts
4) names and contact details of at least 2 references

Andrew N. Iwaniuk
Professor
Canada Research Chair in Comparative Neuroanatomy
Department of Neuroscience
University of Lethbridge
Lethbridge AB T1K 3M4
Canada
office: +1 403 332 5288
http://scholar.ulethbridge.ca/iwaniuk/home

Bird-brain (b?rd br?n)1. a person regarded as silly or stupid.

andrew.iwaniuk@uleth.ca

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