Reconstructing the evolutionary history of ecological dynamics and extinction risk in Procellariiform seabirds

Three competitive PhD studentship opportunities are available
in evolutionary and ecological genetics at Durham University,
UK. These 3.5-year fellowships provide a full tuition fee waiver at
Durham University, a competitive living stipend, and a considerable
research allowance. For more information about these projects see here

or contact Dr. Andreanna Welch at a.j.welch@durham.ac.uk.

1) Reconstructing the evolutionary history of ecological dynamics and
extinction risk in Procellariiform seabirds

During their evolutionary history, birds have colonized the open oceans
beyond the continental shelves only rarely. The Procellariiformes
(albatrosses, shearwaters, storm- petrels, etc.) are by far the largest
group of oceanic birds, but their molecular phylogeny is poorly known. As
part of an international collaboration, the student will use capture
enrichment and next generation sequencing methods to collect a rich
genomic dataset and resolve the phylogeny of all extant and recently
extinct Procellariiformes, at and below the species level. This will
advance our understanding of the evolutionary history of oceanic birds,
allow exploration of the role of ecology in diversification, and inform
conservation management of this globally-threatened group.

Eligibility: All nationalities Deadline for consideration: January
4th, 2016

2) The effects of maternal stress response and microbiome on seal pup
condition and survival Co-supervised with Sean Twiss

Maternal effects are now recognised as important contributors to
phenotypic variation. One potential mechanism that has been largely
overlooked is via the transfer of beneficial bacteria during birth and
through lactation. Studies in humans have shown that these bacteria
provide many health benefits to the young, but that communities
transferred can be influenced by the mother¢s condition and stress
level. Adult grey seals (Halichoerus grypus) exhibit consistent
individual differences in behaviour with some mothers showing high
levels of responsiveness to stressors while others show little. The
student will apply recently developed metagenomic techniques to
investigate this potential short-term fitness consequence of maternal
coping style. Seals are among the few animal species for which coping
styles have been identified and linked with fitness consequences in wild
populations. However, the mechanisms through which behavioural responses
to stress modulate offspring condition and survival remain essentially
unknown. Given that wildlife are increasingly impacted by anthropogenic
influences, and that behaviour is often the first form of response to
environmental changes, this project will provide important insights
towards understanding how stress may influence individual fitness as
well as future population trajectories.

Eligibility: Primarily UK nationals Deadline for consideration: January
15th, 2016

3) Tracking the impact of Holocene environmental change in Patagonia
on pinniped distribution, abundance and dispersion using ancient DNA
Co-supervised with Rus Hoelzel

When environments change, as during the current process of anthropogenic
climate change, regional populations may respond by migrating to
track suitable habitat, they may expand, decline or go extinct, or
they may adapt. In this study the student will employ next generation
sequencing methods, ancient DNA, and coalescent analyses to determine
past demographic profiles of two sympatric pinniped species with
contrasting life histories along the coast of Patagonia, a region
of major transitions during the Holocene. Thus students will have
the opportunity to test hypotheses about the importance of various
environmental parameters. Understanding these dynamics will become
increasingly critical for effective management and nature reserve design
to promote conservation in the future as environments change.  This will
also improve our understanding of the process of biodiversity evolution,
which is determined by both effective population size and connectivity.

Eligibility: Primarily UK nationals Deadline for consideration: January
22nd, 2016

Durham University is consistently rated as one of the top 100 universities
in the world. Located in northeast England, the university is situated
in a scenic town and lies within a 20-minute train ride of the thriving
city of Newcastle. The department offers a supportive research-driven
environment with projects ranging from the cellular to the ecosystem
level. For more information see here .

To apply please send an email to a.j.welch@durham.ac.uk with 1) a two-page
covering letter detailing your reasons for applying and why you have
selected this project, 2) your current CV with contact information for
at least two references, 3) Full transcripts of previous qualifications
obtained to date. Only the best applicants will be asked to submit
an application.

"WELCH A.J."