Taylor lab - Opportunities
NERC ENV-East Doctoral Training Partnership PhD
Investigating transposable element (TE) diversity in Corydoras catfishes
Project Description
Scientific background.
The Corydoras catfishes are a diverse group of neotropical armoured catfishes comprising more than 200 species. They show great diversity in their colour patterns and mimic one another when they live together in the same river (Alexandrou et al 2011). They also show great diversity in their genome size (amount of DNA per cell), with the largest genomes ~6x bigger than the smallest. This project will investigate the role that transposable elements (TEs) play in (i) increasing genome size in the group and (ii) the evolutionary consequences of increased TE abundance in terms of phenotypic diversity among species.
Research methodology and training.
The project will use a range of techniques including next generation sequencing of DNA and RNA and quantitative PCR to elucidate the type, abundance and locations of TEs in different species. Thus, there will be a laboratory based component to the research along with a considerable bioinformatics analysis. There will also be possibilities for conducting fieldwork in South America with Brazilian collaborators.
The applicant.
Applicants should have a Bachelors or Master's degree in a biology related subject with a strong interest in evolutionary biology. Capacity to work with large and complex DNA sequence data sets is essential, but training will be provided.
Funding
This project has been shortlisted for funding by the EnvEast NERC Doctoral Training Partnership, comprising the Universities of East Anglia, Essex and Kent, with twenty other research partners.
Funding Notes
This project has been shortlisted for funding by the EnvEast NERC Doctoral Training Partnership, comprising the Universities of East Anglia, Essex and Kent, with twenty other research partners.
Shortlisted applicants will be interviewed on 17/18 February 2016.
Successful candidates who meet RCUK's eligibility criteria will be awarded a NERC studentship. In most cases, UK and EU nationals who have been resident in the UK for 3 years are eligible for a full award. In 2015/16, the stipend was £14,057.
For further information, please visit ENV East website View Website.
References
i) Alexandrou, M., Oliveira, C, Maillard, M, McGill, R.A.R., Newton, J., Creer, S. and M. I. Taylor. (2011) Competition and phylogeny determine community structure in Müllerian co-mimics. Nature 469:84–88, 2011. DOI:10.1038/nature09660
ii) Marburger, S. 2015. Investigating Mechanisms of Genome Expansion in Corydoradinae catfish. PhD Thesis. Submitted to Bangor University Sept 2015.
BBSRC Norwich Biosciences Doctoral Training Partnership PhD
Ageing the unageable: investigating novel methods of ageing exploited crabs and lobsters (TAYLOR_U16FDTP)
Project Description
Scientific background.
Sustainable exploitation of fish and shellfish stocks requires an understanding of growth rates. Most fish and molluscs can be aged by counting growth rings laid down in hard calcified structures. In contrast, most crustaceans cannot be aged accurately as they periodically lose and replace most calcified structures through molting. This project will investigate a range of novel methods to age commercially important crustacean species with an aim of developing biological age assays. In particular, the potential of a variety of DNA based and epigenetic markers will be investigated using both laboratory reared and aquaculture and wild sourced samples. This project is a collaboration between Dr Martin Taylor and Professor David Richardson at the University of East Anglia, bringing together expertise in fisheries genetics and ageing and senescence. This project will develop cutting edge molecular methods but also has high potential for real-world impact on the interface between science, management and policy. Training will be provided in advanced molecular techniques, bioinformatics and science communication.
The applicant:
The ideal candidate will have a good Honors or Master's degree in a relevant subject area (e.g. biological sciences / genetics) and have a strong interest in fisheries biology or molecular ageing. Some experience with molecular laboratory techniques such as polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and strong IT skills with bioinformatics experience are desirable, although training will be provided.
For scientific enquiries please contact: Dr Martin Taylor (martin.taylor@uea.ac.uk).
For application procedure please click HERE
If you are interested in applying for a Fisheries Society PhD studentship (www.fsbi.org.uk/grants/phd-studentships) I would be pleased to discuss ideas.
If you are interested in applying for NERC, Marie Curie, Leverhulme or other fellowship I am very keen to explore opportunities.