3 PhD Studentship – University Of Exeter – UK
University Of Exeter Provides 3 PhD Studentships For Students To Pursue studies At UK In 2010
Description:
The aim of this project is to evaluate the sustainability of Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar L.) populations across the southern part of their European range, in the light of climate change, water chemistry and continuing exploitation.
The project:
This fully-funded 3 year PhD studentship will undertake molecular genetic analysis of salmon samples collected over a ten year time span, and will use state-of-the-art statistical methods to calculate effective population size (N e) for European salmon populations at different time points over the last decade and beyond. Populations for analysis will be selected in light of recent research highlighting the relatively genetically homogeneous nature of salmon populations from mid-Europe with those from southern regions which appear genetically distinct; find out more (opens in a new window). The effects of different water chemistries to buffer and respond to climatic changes will also be explored in a range of acid and chalk stream rivers. Subsequently, trends in temporal values of N e at each site will be used to infer the status of each population: increasing, stable, declining, allowing the times of major changes, eg, population crashes, within populations in rivers across southern Europe to be dated. Results will be interpreted in the light of in-river water temperature data, riverine pH and rod-catch records. Salmon populations will be assessed as cohorts using dynamic life tables, thereby allowing conditions in-river and at-sea in each year of historic assessment to be examined for their effects on a particular cohort. Potential correlations between environmental conditions, human exploitation and fish population changes will be evaluated and used to inform management activity.
Research Training:
The project will provide the student with training in a range of cutting-edge population genetics techniques, together with relevant field experience, eg, electrofishing. Laboratory training will include DNA extraction methods, microsatellite analysis (including the design of multiplex reactions), population genetics statistics, time series analysis, fisheries cohort and lifetable analysis, and assignment testing, together with full training in the production of relevant documents and scientific papers. The successful applicant will be required to liaise with our project partners, the Game and Wildlife Conservation Trust, the Atlantic Salmon Trust and the Westcountry Rivers Trust.
Award:
The award covers UK/EU fees plus an annual Research Council maintenance grant for up to three years. Applicants with Channel Islands/Isle of Man or International fee status are eligible to apply but will be required to pay the remaining fees not covered by the award. The successful award holder will be based at the Streatham Campus, Exeter.
How To Apply:
To apply send an up to date CV and covering letter to Dr Jamie Stevens, Biosciences, University of Exeter, email: j.r.stevens@exeter.ac.uk Tel : +44 (0) 1392 723775, from whom further details can also be obtained. Applicants should have obtained a 2:1 or above in their first degree, and/or should hold a masters degree in a relevant subject. Applicants with interest in and experience of molecular population genetics analysis are particularly welcome.
Address:
Biosciences
College of Life and Environmental Sciences
Geoffrey Pope
University of Exeter
Stocker Road
Exeter
EX4 4QD, UK
Last Date To Apply:15th October 2010
Source:http://biosciences.exeter.ac.uk/postgraduate/phd/studentships/atlanticsalmon/
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