We invite applications for an M.Sc. research assistantship in marine geology at Memorial University of Newfoundland Earth Sciences Department, St. John's, Newfoundland, beginning between April and August 2010. We are seeking a highly qualified and motivated student to participate in a field-oriented research program studying seabed geology and benthic habitat characteristics in the Gulf of Maine, using a range of video and sonar data, and benthic sampling. This project is part of a large Canada-NSERC-funded research program focused on marine biodiversity (CHONe, http://www.chone.ca/) headquartered at Memorial University; this specific project is co-led by Dr. Peter Lawton (DFO St Andrews, Peter.Lawton@dfo-mpo.gc.ca) and Dr. Sam Bentley (Memorial University). The extensive research network will provide excellent opportunities for students to meet and work with experts in the field.

Memorial University (www.mun.ca) is the largest university in Atlantic Canada, offering more than 100 degree programs to a student population of 17,000. The university is located in the provincial capital St. John's, a small vibrant city of 170,000 with all the benefits of a large urban centre. Memorial's Earth Science Department (www.mun.ca/earthsciences/) is one of the largest and most diverse Earth Sciences departments in Canada, with 31 faculty members, 15 staff members and a new and well equipped building. Within our research group we have extensive facilities for collection and analysis of marine geoacoustical data, and core collection and analysis, including imaging, stable isotope, and radioisotope geochemistry.

For additional information, contact Dr. Sam Bentley (+1 (709) 737-2097, sbentley@mun.ca), or visit http://www.mun.ca/earthsciences/.