News

MSc and PhD Project Opportunities in the Centre for Reproduction and Genomics

Thursday, 16 October 2008

The Centre for Reproduction and Genomics is a newly established collaborative venture between AgResearch, New Zealand's leading pastoral and livestock research institution, and the University of Otago.

The centre seeks to be a leader in reproduction and genomic research, with a particular focus on the following areas: livestock and human reproduction; livestock and human health and disease; and the control of animal reproduction. This diverse research base provides a large number of research projects that would suit BSc (Hons), MSc, or PhD students with an interest in reproduction, genomics, genetics, physiology, evolution, and molecular biology. Current research ranges from pure, theory based projects through to applied research with a focus on improving human health and animal productivity. The laboratory has world-class research staff, facilities and strong international collaborations, offering students excellent opportunities to gain a variety of highly pertinent research and technical skills.

Project Opportunities

Studying the effects of mitochondrial DNA mutations on sperm function (Contact Gemmell)
Investigating the mechanism for cryptic female choice in chinook salmon (Contact Gemmell)
How important is recombination to microsatellite evolution? (Contact Gemmell)
Examining the mechanism of sexual differentiation in fish (Contact Gemmell)
Regulation of steroid synthesis and responsiveness by cell cycle control genes in reproductive epithelia (Contact Fleming)
Identification of genetic pathways regulating horn growth in sheep (Contacts Clarke and Johnson)

Note that this is not an exhaustive list and students are encouraged to discuss potential projects with the Centre's Director, Professor Gemmell.

Applications

Interested applicants are encouraged to make informal enquires to Professor Gemmell in the first instance. To apply, please send a Curriculum Vitae, your best piece of written work (essay, paper or equivalent), and a covering letter including the names of three referees to Professor Gemmell. Applications for admission to Honours and Masters programs need to be made by February, while applications for PhD programs can be made at anytime.

Scholarships are available from the University of Otago and the Department of Anatomy and Structural Biology for Masters and PhD students, but are generally limited to students with at least an A- grade average. Applications for these scholarships are due 3rd November, but earlier applications are encouraged.

People

Professor Neil J. Gemmell
Centre for Reproduction and Genomics, Department of Anatomy & Structural Biology, University of Otago, PO Box 913, Dunedin 9054, New Zealand
Phone: +64 3 479 6824, e-mail:

Professor Jean S. Fleming ONZM
Department of Anatomy & Structural Biology, University of Otago, PO Box 913, Dunedin 9054, New Zealand
Phone: +64 3 479 5465, e-mail:

Dr Shannon Clarke
AgResearch, MBU, Biochemistry Department, University of Otago, PO Box 56, Dunedin, New Zealand
Phone: +64 3 479 7659, e-mail:

Dr Tricia Johnson
AgResearch, Invermay, Puddle Ally, Mosgiel, New Zealand
Phone: +64 3 489 9168, e-mail: