PhD: DNA barcoding study on marine invertebrates

University of Guelph (with West Coast DFO Placement)

We are seeking a Ph.D. student with an interest in applied evolutionary
genetics and taxonomy to conduct a DNA barcoding study on marine
invertebrates as part of a larger set of multi-disciplinary studies on
aquatic invasive species. The current project is a collaborative one
involving researchers at University of Guelph, Fisheries and Oceans
Canada, and University of Windsor.

Many global invaders are marine invertebrates such as crustaceans,
molluscs and acscidians that often present numerous taxonomic
challenges, especially in early life history stages. DNA barcoding has
been identified as a robust, generic method that could serve as an
international standard for the identification of aquatic invasive
species on a global scale as it has practical advantages over classical
taxonomic methods. However, its utility for this purpose needs to be
validated - especially when invaders and co-occurring native species are
very similar - and its usefulness is a function of the availability of
validated DNA barcoding datasets, hence appropriate investment in
initial identification of material to be sequenced is vital.

The successful candidate will apply DNA barcoding methods using the
mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase I (COI) gene to generate essential
baseline data to then evaluate the utility of this approach for invasive
species identification and detection. They will also generate molecular
phylogenies based on multiple genetic nuclear markers where needed to
resolve taxonomic uncertainties of important marine invaders.

Work will be conducted in close collaboration with the Government of
Canada - Department of Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO), to the extent
that the successful candidate will be based at the Pacific Biological
Station in Nanaimo, B.C. for a substantial part of their studentship.

Stipend funding is available at NSERC rates. Canadian citizens and
Permanent Residents are preferred as there are no project funds for
international student fees. The project start date is to be between May
2011 and Jan 2012. To be considered for this position please send your
CV, a summary of your research interests and experience, contact
details, and at least two references to cathryn.abbott@dfo-mpo.gc.ca.


Cathryn Abbott, Ph.D.
Research Scientist
Aquatic Animal Health
Fisheries and Oceans Canada
Pacific Biological Station
3190 Hammond Bay Road
Nanaimo, BC, V9T 6N7 Canada
Telephone: +1 250 756 3364
FAX: +1 250 756 7053
cathryn.abbott@dfo-mpo.gc.ca