MSc or PhD fully funded positions in bivalve ecophysiology and genomics
Need | We are seeking highly qualified and ambitious candidates interested in working on a multidisciplinary project in which ecophysiology and genomic tools will be used to accelerate the improvement of triploid mussels. These tools will enhance the robustness of mussels to climate change threats such as hypoxia and heatwaves, contributing to the development of a resilient mussel aquaculture industry in Atlantic Canada. The highly qualified personnel (HQP) will work with researchers from Dalhousie University, Université du Québec à Rimouski, and University of New Brunswick, and with the industry partner Atlantic Aqua Farms Ltd, the largest mussel farming company in North America. It is expected that the HQPs will spend time at the different institutions to interact with other HPQs working on the project.
Rationale | Global aquaculture must expand by as much as 30% by 2050 to meet the increasing demand for food. Bivalve mariculture is recognized as one of the most sustainable forms of animal protein production, having a minimal carbon footprint and providing similar ecosystem services as natural shellfish reefs, e.g. nutrient mitigation and water clarity. Mussel aquaculture is also a crucial economic driver for Atlantic Canada, providing tax income and jobs, particularly in rural communities. Despite the potential of mussels for providing sustainable seafood, the unpredictable seed supply, limited space for aquaculture, and climate change constitute bottlenecks that compromise their full potential. The genomic-assisted development of a high-performing, climate-friendly, hatchery-bred triploid strain addresses all these issues. Triploids have an extra set of chromosomes, are sterile, grow faster than diploids and have stronger byssus than diploids. However, triploidization can have negative impacts that affect survival. Genomic tools can maximize selection accuracy to improve triploid performance rapidly so they can thrive under the growing threat of climate change. Therefore, triploids present a unique opportunity to increase the efficiency of mussel aquaculture in a relatively short time, and any gains can be maximized using genome-assisted selection.
Qualifications | The ideal MSc or PhD candidate will have a strong background in physiology and/or genomics. Candidates should also have (i) the ability to work in a multidisciplinary environment, (ii) strong written and oral communication skills and (iii) experience working in a wet laboratory. They will also have a demonstrated ability to work as a constructive and positive member of a team. We are particularly interested in the recruitment of underrepresented groups and will work with candidates to ensure their program of study and supervisory committee is supportive of their personal and professional backgrounds and current needs.
Compensation | Tuition and stipend will be provided. The project includes funding for open-access publication and attendance at international conferences in addition to a budget for mobility across partner institutions.
To apply | Interested applicants should send a CV and cover letter to ramon.filgueira@dal.ca.
Need | We are seeking highly qualified and ambitious candidates interested in working on a multidisciplinary project in which ecophysiology and genomic tools will be used to accelerate the improvement of triploid mussels. These tools will enhance the robustness of mussels to climate change threats such as hypoxia and heatwaves, contributing to the development of a resilient mussel aquaculture industry in Atlantic Canada. The highly qualified personnel (HQP) will work with researchers from Dalhousie University, Université du Québec à Rimouski, and University of New Brunswick, and with the industry partner Atlantic Aqua Farms Ltd, the largest mussel farming company in North America. It is expected that the HQPs will spend time at the different institutions to interact with other HPQs working on the project.
Rationale | Global aquaculture must expand by as much as 30% by 2050 to meet the increasing demand for food. Bivalve mariculture is recognized as one of the most sustainable forms of animal protein production, having a minimal carbon footprint and providing similar ecosystem services as natural shellfish reefs, e.g. nutrient mitigation and water clarity. Mussel aquaculture is also a crucial economic driver for Atlantic Canada, providing tax income and jobs, particularly in rural communities. Despite the potential of mussels for providing sustainable seafood, the unpredictable seed supply, limited space for aquaculture, and climate change constitute bottlenecks that compromise their full potential. The genomic-assisted development of a high-performing, climate-friendly, hatchery-bred triploid strain addresses all these issues. Triploids have an extra set of chromosomes, are sterile, grow faster than diploids and have stronger byssus than diploids. However, triploidization can have negative impacts that affect survival. Genomic tools can maximize selection accuracy to improve triploid performance rapidly so they can thrive under the growing threat of climate change. Therefore, triploids present a unique opportunity to increase the efficiency of mussel aquaculture in a relatively short time, and any gains can be maximized using genome-assisted selection.
Qualifications | The ideal MSc or PhD candidate will have a strong background in physiology and/or genomics. Candidates should also have (i) the ability to work in a multidisciplinary environment, (ii) strong written and oral communication skills and (iii) experience working in a wet laboratory. They will also have a demonstrated ability to work as a constructive and positive member of a team. We are particularly interested in the recruitment of underrepresented groups and will work with candidates to ensure their program of study and supervisory committee is supportive of their personal and professional backgrounds and current needs.
Compensation | Tuition and stipend will be provided. The project includes funding for open-access publication and attendance at international conferences in addition to a budget for mobility across partner institutions.
To apply | Interested applicants should send a CV and cover letter to ramon.filgueira@dal.ca.
