PhD position available in New Zealand – Kaikoura region abalone (paua) population genetics based on GBS-derived SNPs
The position - A 3-year PhD position is available in the laboratory of Prof. Jonathan Gardner (Victoria University of Wellington, NZ), working in conjunction with Dr. Tom McCowan (Paua Industry Council, NZ) and Rob Elshire (The Elshire Group, NZ). The PhD position has a start date of early/mid 2019 or soon thereafter. The project - Our group has received full research-only funding from Seafood Innovations Limited for this paua (abalone – Haliotis iris) population genetics SNPs project. The November 2016 Kaikoura earthquake had devastating effects on paua (abalone) populations resulting in the ongoing closure of the fishery for this locally important species. The catch reductions resulting from the closure are worth approximately $3 million annually to the quota holders, as well as loss of customary and recreational fishing opportunities. It is critical that best available information is used to inform management decisions about when and at what level this fishery is re-opened to ensure its future sustainability. Research programs to monitor both adult and juvenile paua recovery are currently being undertaken to inform management decisions. A critical gap in the current monitoring is an understanding of where the new recruits come from that contribute to population recovery and the spatial scales that are biologically relevant for future management. Development of next-generation molecular markers called SNPs (single nucleotide polymorphisms) for paua and subsequent genetic analyses will enable a greater understanding of the patterns and processes for paua population recovery. The recent development of genotyping-by-sequencing (GBS) means that SNP development is achievable, even for “non-model” species such as paua. Population–specific genetic diversity will be used to quantify the magnitude of genetic bottlenecks in northern South Island paua populations resulting from the earthquake, and in neighbouring populations outside the affected area. Analyses across different cohorts will enable sources of recruitments to be identified from within and beyond the affected region. Together these analyses will assist in reducing the risk in decision making around the appropriate levels and timing for the fishery to be re-opened, to recover commercial losses from the fishery closure and to provide for sustainable recreational and customary fishing. The timing - We are looking for an outstanding candidate whom we can support through the VUW PhD scholarship application scheme, to ensure that the person secures a stipend and full fees remission. The next round of VUW PhD scholarship applications closes on 1st March 2019, so we aim to identify someone before that date. The ideal candidate – We are looking for a student with a background in population genetics and/or bioinformatics and an interest in applying SNPs to a marine invertebrate coastal fishery. Because we will need to support the candidate through the VUW PhD scholarship application process we need an academically strong candidate (GPA of >85%). We will give preference to candidates with a Masters level degree and also with previous experience of working with GBS and/or SNPs data sets. This PhD position is open to all nationalities (i.e., the successful applicant does not have to be a NZ citizen). However, an international student (i.e., non-NZ and non-Australian) will require a NZ student visa to be allowed to study in NZ. In the normal course of events this is not a problem given that the student in question will be supported by VUW. But the visa application process can take several weeks to a few months. We understand this, and this is not a problem. The actual start date is therefore negotiable if the student is “international” and requires a student visa. For candidates whose first language is not English, a TOEFL or equivalent exam pass is required. The work location – Most of the 3 year PhD position will be based in Wellington, but there will be an opportunity to work with Rob Elshire in Palmerston North, which is about 2 hours’ drive north of Wellington. On a day to day basis the successful candidate will be based at Victoria University of Wellington. The NZ Paua Industry Council (PIC) is also based in Wellington. An opportunity exists to visit the field sites and to help PIC divers collect paua samples. For general enquiries please email – jonathan.gard...@vuw.ac.nz Applications – Applications from suitably qualified individuals should be submitted to jonathan.gard...@vuw.ac.nz, before the closing date of 31st January 2019. Applications should consist of: A cover letter outlining why you are interested in the position and how you meet the candidate selection criteria (Masters level degree preferred; experience with GBS and/or SNPs; GPA of > 85%; English language test results if English is not your first language). A full CV, including evidence of any published papers or reports. A copy of your most up to date University transcripts showing evidence of degrees awarded, grades for individual courses taken, and an assessment of your GPA. Names and email addresses of two referees who may be approached to provide letters of support for your application. Your referees should be familiar with you and with your research career. Further general information Victoria University of Wellington - www.vuw.ac.nz VUW Scholarships - www.victoria.ac.nz/study/student-finance/scholarships International students, studying at VUW, Wellington - https://www.victoria.ac.nz/international Jonathan Gardner, Victoria University of Wellington https://www.victoria.ac.nz/sbs/about/staff/jonathan-gardner https://scholar.google.co.nz/citations?user=u2hc4JIAAAAJ&hl=en Tom McCowan, Paua Industry Council NZ http://www.paua.org.nz/ and also https://www.facebook.com/PauaIndustryCouncil/ Rob Elshire, Director, The Elshire Group Ltd. https://elshiregroup.co.nz
