Careers & Opportunities
Ph.D. Project Opportunity Available to Investigate the Genetic basis of Cryptic Female Choice in Chinook Salmon
We are currently seeking a student with interests in genetics, evolution, and behavioural ecology to conduct research into the genetic basis of possible cryptic female choice in Chinook salmon.
Project Description
In many species females can control fertilisation after mating via behavioural, morphological, and physiological mechanisms – a process called cryptic female choice (CFC).
While widespread, it is generally unknown, if and how CFC might be exerted in external fertilisers, where eggs and sperm are shed simultaneously into the surrounding water.
Recently we demonstrated in salmon that ovarian fluid, a viscous substance released with eggs during spawning, differentially alters male sperm function in a female-dependent fashion, and thus that females may exert cryptic control of male reproductive success (Rosengrave et al.2008. A mechanism for cryptic female choice in chinook salmon. Behavioral Ecology 19: 1179-85).
The rationale for this CFC is unknown, but our hypothesis is that ovarian-fluid-mediates sperm selection promoting favoured genetic combinations that enhance offspring fitness.
We will test this hypothesis using a novel combination of CASA, compositional analyses, replicated paired-male competitive in vitro fertilisation experiments that mimic the gametic microenvironment, and genetic screens of MHC class I, class II and microsatellite loci to establish parentage.
Using these approaches we will determine (i) the effects of a given female's ovarian fluid on a male's sperm function, (ii) how this male x female interaction influences male reproductive success, (iii) whether particular male and female genotype combinations (MHC I, II and microsatellites) are associated with greater or lesser sperm performance and male reproductive success, and (iv) whether any compositional differences among gametic fluids explain the patterns we observe.
Our expectation is that the successful PhD student will focus on tasks ii), and iii), while contributing to the others.
The Ideal Candidate
The ideal candidate will possess experience in molecular genetics, evolutionary genetics and behavioural ecology.
They will be motivated and organised, with a demonstrated capacity to master the broad skill set necessary for the successful completion of a research programme.
They will be a competent laboratory worker, with experience of all routine molecular genetic techniques, particularly microsatellite genotyping and sequencing, and should be computer literate with familiarity with database management and statistical analyses.
Minimum qualifications: B.Sc. (Hons) and/or M.Sc. in Genetics, Molecular Biology, Molecular Ecology or equivalent.
Scholarship and Funding
This project has no stipendiary award to support the student, but there is ample financial support for the research costs for the next three years via a Marsden grant.
Thus, we are seeking a high achieving student with an A- average or better who is able to secure a University of Otago or Departmental scholarship to support their studies.
Other avenues of support such as NZAID and NZIDR awards are also possibilities (see http://www.otago.ac.nz/study/scholarships/).
Ellegibility
The University of Otago and Departmental scholarships are open to all nationalities.
However, overseas candidates for whom English is not a first language must satisfy the English Language Requirements of the University to be eligible for study (see http://www.otago.ac.nz/international/postgraduate/english_requirements.html).
Other eligibility criteria are detailed here http://www.otago.ac.nz/international/postgraduate/entrance_requirements.html.
How to Apply
Interested applicants are encouraged to make informal enquiries to Professor Neil Gemmell, in the first instance.
To apply, please send your Curriculum Vitae, a copy of your academic transcript, a sample of your written scientific work and the names of three referees with a covering letter to:
Professor Neil J. Gemmell
Centre for Reproduction and Genomics (http://www.crg.org.nz)
e-mail:
The closing date for the main round of Otago Scholarships is 2 November 2009 so interested applicants should contact me as soon as possible to avoid missing this deadline.