MPhil Studentship in Aquatic Biology: Impact assessment of anthropogenic mediated habitat alteration on the genetic structure of the Lough Derg brown trout population

Background: -

Human activities are rapidly altering the living conditions of many salmonid populations. Lough Derg, a relatively small lake of some 9km2 located in the north-west of Ireland, is surrounded by three small inflowing rivers and a large outflowing river and has a large outflowing channel and is typical of many lakes having anthropogenic influences in their catchments.

General objective: -

To assess the potential impact on the native trout of anthropogenic influences using a combination of ecological and modern genetic approaches. The existence of archived historical material will allow for the quantification of genetic differences over time.

Supervision: -

The project will be supervised by Professor Paulo Prodöhl of Queen's University School of Biological Sciences and Pat Boylan of the Loughs Agency.

Start date: -

Shortlisted candidates will be interviewed shortly after the closing date of 5pm, Friday 7 June 2013. Successful candidates will be expected to start by 15 July 2013.

Essential requirements: -

2.1 degree in a relevant biological discipline, clean driving licence and access to a car.

Applicants whose first language is not English must provide documentary evidence when applying that they can meet the required standard of English (TOEFL 87 with minimum scores of 22 in reading; 21 in listening; 23 in speaking and 21 in writing).

Desirable skills/experience: -

Field sampling, practical experience with fish population genetics, willingness to learn maths & statistics.