KESS PhD scholarships: Optimization of captive breeding systems for salmonid stock enhancement using molecular tags
By TheScienceJobs • Jun 30th, 2010 • Category: Ecology, Environmental Science, Pop. Biol./Genetics, Zoology
Optimization of captive breeding systems for salmonid stock enhancement using molecular tags Fully-funded KESS PhD Scholarship 2010/2011 entry
Closing date: 23 July 2010
Supervisors:
Dr Carlos Garcia de Leaniz (Swansea University, Pure & Applied Ecology)
Dr Sofia Consuegra (Aberystwyth University, IBERS)
Dr John Taylor and Dr Peter Gough (Environment Agency Wales)
Project Description:
Aquatic ecosystems provide key resources for humans but tend to be less resilient than terrestrial environments, being home to endangered organisms that are often easily damaged by anthropogenic activities. Developments such as tidal barrages can have catastrophic consequences for aquatic fauna (particularly for migratory species) and demonstrate the need for knowledge on a range of aquatic issues. Molecular tags are increasingly being used to assign fish to their population of origin, to determine paternity and establish pedigrees, and to distinguish hatchery from wild fish. In salmonid restoration programs, the use of molecular tags for mark-and-recapture will dispense with the need to physically tag hatchery fish and will allow for identification of stocked juveniles and returning adults. This will result in considerable savings and improved management of endangered salmonid stocks, and will also permit the estimation of fitness parameters of relevance for conservation
The objectives of this research project are:
1. To assess the contribution of stocked (hatchery-reared) and wild Atlantic salmon using inherent, non-intrusive molecular tags to the River Taff;
2. To estimate the genetic diversity and effective populations sizes of the wild and stocked salmon populations;
3. To assess the effects of multiple paternity and breeding design on survival and fitness of juvenile salmon;
4. To develop guidelines for improved breeding designs in salmonid stock enhancement.
The project is part-funded by the European Social Fund (ESF) through the European Union’s Convergence programme administered by the Welsh Assembly Government. KESS PhD scholarships are collaborative awards with external partners. The successful candidate will work with academic staff at Swansea and Aberystwyth Universities, in collaboration with an industry partner, the Environment Agency Wales, based in Llandarcy.
Applicant requirements:
We are looking for a highly motivated student with a First or Upper Second Class Honours degree in Biological Sciences or related field. Knowledge of fish biology, molecular ecology, and conservation biology is desirable. Acquaintance with salmonid conservation, evolutionary ecology and population genetics will also be an advantage.
Scholarship value:
The scholarship covers University tuition fees (3440 in 2010/2011) for three years and a stipend of 13,290 per annum for three years. Generous support for consumables, equipment and travel is also available.
Training:
The achievement of a Higher-level Skills Development Award (HSDA) is compulsory for each KESS scholar. The HSDA is based on a 60 credit award, which is an additional award to the PhD.
Eligibility:
- Applicants must be UK/EU citizens.
- Applicants must reside in the Convergence Area of Wales at the time of enrolment, and must also be able to take paid employment in the Convergence Area on completion of the scholarship. The Convergence Area means the following counties of Wales: Blaenau Gwent, Bridgend, Caerphilly, Carmarthenshire, Ceredigion, Conwy, Denbighshire, Gwynedd, Isle of Anglesey, Merthyr Tydfil, Neath Port Talbot, Pembrokeshire, Rhondda Cynon Taff, Swansea and Torfaen.
How to apply:
To apply, please send the following to Dr. Carlos Garcia de Leaniz (address below) by 23 July 2010:
- A completed KESS application form
- The names of two personal referees
- An up to date CV
- A covering letter, in which you expand on the relevant contents in your CV and wider experience, and why you consider yourself a good candidate.
- KESS applications forms can be obtained from Mrs Sandra Kramcha (s.kramcha [at] swansea.ac [.] uk) or from Carlos Garcia de Leaniz (c.garciadeleaniz [at] swansea.ac [.] uk)
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This website is managed by Mrs. Thripthi Sabu. She is a post-graduate in Genetics and Plant Breeding from Kerala University. She lives in Thiruvananthapuram, India.
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