MSc Position in Litzgus Lab: Social behaviour of Painted Turtles during nesting

Many oviparous reptiles nest in aggregations and with temporal synchrony, suggesting a fitness benefit to these aggregations. We found that Painted Turtles (PATU) in Algonquin Park preferred to nest in groups and that nest clustering is related to females cueing on conspecifics. This may reduce time on land exposed to predators and other hazards. Alternatively, there may be a genetic component to clustered nests. This MSc project will examine whether social information from dominant females guides PATU nesting decisions, to answer the question: Do population matriarchs lead the way to the best nest sites? Using nesting observations and genetic data, the student will build a social network to elucidate whether females that nest together are related by estimating relatedness among individuals and in preferred associations.

The MSc position will be in the lab of Dr. Jackie Litzgus at Laurentian University in Sudbury, ON (https://laurentian.ca/faculty/jlitzgus), and the student will be co-supervised by Dr. Julia Riley at Mount Allison University in Sackville, NB (https://www.rileyecology.com/). The project is also in collaboration with Dr. Njal Rollinson at UofT (https://rollinson.eeb.utoronto.ca/) who collaborates on the long-term turtle research in Algonquin Park. Field research will be based out of the Algonquin Wildlife Research Station (https://www.algonquinwrs.ca/).

Qualifications and Requirements

• BSc in Biology with at least an 80% GPA; knowledge of turtle nesting and social ecology
• Familiarity with R statistical coding and genetic analyses of SNP data are considered assets
• Enjoys working outdoors and is able to work for long hours in difficult weather conditions (bugs, rain, extreme hot and cold weather, etc.)
• Organized with excellent observation skills and attention to detail (for data recording)
• Ability to work in a team, both in a leadership role and as a team member  Excellent oral and written communication skills
• Valid driver’s license with clean driving record

The Litzgus Lab provides a safe, supportive, inclusive and respectful work environment, free of discrimination and harassment. We strive to create a diverse, welcoming, enriching team, while providing rigorous student training and mentorship.

Please email your resume, (unofficial) transcripts, and a cover letter detailing your background, interests and why you should be considered for the position to Dr. Jackie Litzgus (jlitzgus@laurentian.ca) with “PATU Sociality” in the subject line.

Applications will be considered as they are received. All applications will be reviewed, but only those invited for an interview will be contacted. The anticipated start date is May 2025 or Sept 2025, and the deadline for applying is 15 November 2024.