Could you please inform any likely candidates of this PhD opportunity.
Brendan
 	 

Genetic differences between farmed and wild Atlantic salmon: a comparison of gene transcription profiles under controlled conditions.
AWARD: A 3 year fully funded research studentship (stipend – minimum £13,590 per annum; plus tuition fees at the UK/EU rate) starting in October / November 2011 is available at the University of Stirling. This project is funded by Institute of Marine Research (IMR) in Bergen, Norway but will be principally undertaken at Institute of Aquaculture, University of Stirling (UoS), Scotland.
SUPERVISORS: Dr John Taggart and Dr James Bron, Institute of Aquaculture, University of Stirling. Dr Kevin Glover, Institute of Marine Research in Bergen, Norway.
BACKGROUND: The continuing expansion of the global Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar) aquaculture industry is mirrored by long-term declines in wild salmon stocks, which are believed to reflect diverse anthropogenic and environmental pressures. Interactions between wild and farmed salmon and their pathogens have important consequences both for the sustainability of salmon aquaculture and for the survival and fitness of wild salmon stocks. In order to develop a better understanding of these interactions and to allow monitoring of changes in wild populations, it is essential to establish baseline data concerning the genomics of wild and farmed fish, in terms of population genetics and transcriptomic responses.
PROJECT: The IMR at Bergen is undertaking a 5 year research project, INTERACT, aiming to elucidate the genetic differences between wild and farmed salmon, using a variety of experimental approaches (including common garden studies) supplemented by molecular tools (DNA and RNA based). The aim of this 3 year PhD project is to improve general knowledge of the genetic differences between farmed (domesticated) and wild Atlantic salmon by applying transcriptomic technologies (oligo microarrays, qPCR and high-throughput sequencing) to a comparison of wild and farmed fish that have been reared under controlled experimental conditions. The study will concentrate on early life history stages (egg / fry) but may involve work on later life-history stages according to findings. Studies will examine phenotypic and transcriptomic responses of fish to standardised conditions and to key early life-cycle stressors including temperature and variable food availability, in order to characterise differences and similarities between wild and farmed stocks. Work will be carried out at both IMR (controlled experiments) and UoS (molecular and bioinformatic analyses).
TRAINING: The student will be trained in a range of techniques including salmon husbandry, experimental design, microarray, sample preparation for high-throughput sequencing and bioinformatics analysis, qPCR and lab techniques such as hormonal/enzymatic/molecular assays for blood as well as a range of transferable skills such as scientific writing / conference presentation.
 

APPLICANTS: Candidates must have a First/Upper Second Class BSc or MSc in a relevant subject.  While it would be an advantage for candidates to have molecular experience, it is not essential. Candidates must have the aptitude and commitment to be trained and work in both molecular laboratory and field research environments. The applicant will be based at the UoS but will be required to spend up to 2-3 months per year in Norway to undertake experiments at IMR research facilities. Applications are only invited from UK / EU candidates or those with additional independent funding.
Applicants are encouraged to contact Dr. John Taggart ([log in to unmask] , telephone +44 1786 467927) for further details of the project.
APPLICATION PROCESS: Complete applications, consisting of a covering letter, an up-to-date CV and the name and contact details of two referees (at least one academic referee) should be submitted to [log in to unmask] Candidates will then be selected and interviewed. Closing date for applications 9th September 2011.