A PhD Scholarship in Population Genomics of tiger sharks is available
at the National Institute of Aquatic Resources (DTU Aqua) with starting
time December 2015. The project will be carried out in affiliation to
the Section for Marine Living Resources’ population genetics research
group in Silkeborg, Denmark. DTU Aqua is an institute at the Technical
University of Denmark.
The purpose of DTU Aqua is to provide research, advice and education at
the highest international level within the sustainable exploitation of
living marine and freshwater resources, the biology of aquatic organisms
and the development of ecosystems as well as their integration in
ecosystem-based management. The institute has an international research
staff comprising approx. 120 academic employees.
Project description
Knowledge of species responses to past environmental changes is vital
for understanding current patterns of biodiversity. In this context,
collections of archived specimens in museums and other repositories
represent exclusive DNA “log-books” for climate change research. Virtually
nothing is known about the genetic impact of past environmental changes
and exploitation on sharks and other elasmobranchs, which are keystone
species for healthy marine ecosystems. Shark jaws are abundant in museums
and as trophies with recreational anglers constituting one of the world’s
most abundant sources of DNA for retrospective genetic analysis. However,
until now the potential of genomic analysis of these unique samples remain
largely unexplored. The aim of this project is to apply cutting edge
genomic tools to abundant samples of tiger sharks (Galeocerdo cuvier)
in order to describe historical changes in population distribution,
abundance and evolutionary response to global change and exploitation. The
project will comprise sample collection of archived tiger and possibly
white sharks in Australia. The majority of molecular genomic work,
bioinformatics and population genomics analyses will be conducted at DTU
Aqua in Denmark, in tight collaboration with researchers at University
of Queensland, Australia. Accordingly, the applicant should have an
interest in working in an international atmosphere in the interphase
between basic and applied research.
Qualifications
We are looking for a candidate who has:
* Master of Science (M.Sc.) degree in Aquatic Science &
Technology or similar
* Experience in population genetics/genomics
* Experience with bioinformatics will be advantageous
* Proficiency in written and spoken English
* Keen interest in research within a field combining molecular
genomics with aquatic sciences
Approval and Enrolment
Scholarships for a PhD degree are subject to academic approval, and
the successful candidate will be enrolled in one of the general degree
programmes at DTU. For information about the general requirements for
enrolment and the general planning of the scholarship studies, please see
the DTU PhD Guide <http://www.dtu.dk/english/education/phd/rules/phdguide>.
Assessment
The assessment of the applicants will be made by Professor Einar Eg
Nielsen and Senior Scientist Jakob Hemmer-Hansen, DTU Aqua.
Salary and appointment terms
The salary and appointment terms are consistent with the current rules
for PhD degree students at DTU. The period of employment is 3 years.
Further information
For further information about the project, please contact Professor
Einar Eg Nielsen, een@aqua.dtu.dk General information may be obtained
from Laura Mundus Nielsen, launie@dtu.dk
Application
Please submit your online application no later than 15 October 2016.
Applications must be submitted as one pdf file containing all materials
to be given consideration. To apply, please open the link “Apply online,”
fill in the online application form, and attach all your materials in
English in one pdf file. The file must include:
* A letter motivating the application (cover letter)
* Curriculum vitae
* Grade transcripts and BSc/MSc diploma
* Excel sheet with translation of grades to the Danish grading system
(see guidelines <http://www.dtu.dk/english/education/phd/rules/phdgui-
de/admission/calculation_grade_average> and excel spread sheet <http://www.dtu.dk/english/~/media/DTUdk/Uddannelse/PhD-
Udannelse/Dokumenter/grades_UKny.ashx> here)
Einar Eg Nielsen <een@aqua.dtu.dk>