Opportunities
Interesting in joining our lab? Perspective Honours BSc, MSc, and PhD students are encouraged to email Dr. Alex Zimmer (alex.zimmer@unb.ca) or other lab members to discuss potential positions that are available, depending on funding. The Department of Biological Sciences at the University of New Brunswick Saint John is a multi-disciplinary research group with many opportunities for collaborative work. Our lab is part of the Canadian Rivers Institute, offering additional collaborative opportunities for students working in the lab.
The city of Saint John - Canada's oldest city - is a vibrant port city that is currently experiencing a rejuvenation of its historical "Uptown" which is located next to the city's port. It is also easy to escape the city, with several parks and nature reserves located within city limits or within close proximity (Rockwood Park, Irving Nature Park, national and provincial parks of the Bay of Fundy).
Current Opportunities
Check below for current fully funded positions available in our lab. If no opportunities are posted, we still encourage anyone who is interested in joining the lab to reach out by contacting Dr. Alex Zimmer via email or by the contact page on this website.
PhD Position in Molecular Physiology
Research in the Zimmer lab focuses on the physiological mechanisms that aquatic organisms, primarily fishes, employ to cope with environmental change and environmental extremes. We focus on the physiological responses to changes in salinity, freshwater acidification, pollution, and other environmentally relevant stressors. In particular, my lab seeks to understand the underlying mechanisms governing these physiological responses using a variety of experimental approaches.
We are currently seeking a PhD student for a fully funded position (offering above the NSERC PGS D “standard”) to develop and employ CRISPR/Cas9 gene editing approaches in mummichog (Fundulus heteroclitus) to probe the plasticity of the ionoregulatory system of this species and to elucidate the role of putatively important ion-transporting proteins in regulating osmotic homeostasis in response to changes in salinity and/or pH. The student will also have the opportunity to develop their own research questions that apply gene editing approaches to understand physiological mechanisms in mummichog or other aquatic organisms.
The ideal candidate will have experience in fish husbandry, in the use of online genomic information resources (e.g., NCBI), and in employing basic molecular techniques (e.g., PCR). Prior work in fish reproduction, microinjections, microscopy, and field fish collections will be considered assets. This position is currently limited to Canadian citizens or permanent residents.
Applications for this position will be accepted beginning immediately and the position will be filled by the first suitable candidate; there is no application deadline. If you are interested in joining a developing lab in a research-intensive department on a small campus, this is a great opportunity! The position will start in May or September 2024 or January 2025.
If you are interested in this opportunity, please send an email to Alex Zimmer (alex.zimmer@unb.ca) that includes your academic CV, a list of your technical skills, and a description of your research interests.
Graduate Students
When inquiring about positions available in the lab, please include a brief statement of your research interests and academic background, as well as a CV or resume. Prospective graduate students are encouraged to apply for NSERC graduate student scholarships.
Undergraduate Students
Prospective undergraduate students are encouraged to contact Dr. Zimmer directly, particularly if you are enrolled in one of his courses. Please be ready to describe your interests in the research conducted by the lab and have a copy of your transcripts available. Undergraduate students should also consider applying for an NSERC Undergraduate Student Research Award to work in the lab over the summer months.
Postdoctoral Fellows
We are always eager to discuss research ideas with prospective Postdoctoral Fellows, however the current research funding programs in Canada generally limit our ability to fully fund PDFs in the lab. Anyone with their own funding (e.g., NSERC PDF) is encouraged to inquire about opportunities in the lab and should include a description of their research interests and how they fit within the scope of our work, as well as a copy of their CV.