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Dr A Davison
Applications accepted all year round
Self-Funded PhD Students Only
About the Project
Funding is available for a four year BBSRC DTP PhD studentship (deadline 9th January), to be awarded on a competitive basis within the University of Nottingham, to investigate the evolution, genetics and development of colour polymorphism in snails
Studies on the classic shell colour and banding polymorphism of the land snail Cepaea played a crucial role in establishing the importance of natural selection in maintaining morphological variation. Cepaea is also a pre-eminent model for ecological genetics because the outward colour and banding phenotype is entirely genetically determined, primarily by a ‘supergene’ of at least five loci. Unfortunately, progress in understanding the evolution and maintenance of the Cepaea polymorphism stalled, partly because of a lack of genetic markers. With a view to re-establish Cepaea as a prominent model of molecular ecology, we are applying next generation sequencing methods to investigate the evolution, genetics and development of this colour polymorphism. Although the precise nature of the project will be determined by the state of play when the project begins and the interests of the student, I envisage that we will use Illumina RAD-Seq genotyping runs, along with RNA Seq methods and possible BAC mapping to home in on the genes in question. He/she may also develop new species/models to study (possibly involving fieldwork), enabling deeper comparative analyses, or develop in situ based methods to compare gene expression. The student will receive training in standard molecular lab methods, next generation sequencing and bioinformatic methods. The training programme also includes first year rotation projects, plus a three-month full-time placement outside of the research environment. Finally, as another research interest of the lab is in the evolution and development of sinistral snails, then a project in this area is also possible.
Applicants should have, or expect to receive, a good degree in a relevant subject, and an interest and enthusiasm for evolution. In the first instance, prospective students should send a CV and an indication of general area of interest to [Email Address Removed]; see also www.angusdavison.org.
How to apply:
Applicants should go to www.nottingham.ac.uk/bbdtp to download the application and reference forms. For more information regarding projects, training and structure of the DTP see http://www.findaphd.com/search/PhDDetails.aspx?CAID=954&LID=338
and www.nottingham.ac.uk/bbdtp. Note that an important part of this BBSRC DTP scheme is a lab rotation during the first year. A full list of the possible projects under the Molecules, Cells and Organisms banner is here http://nottingham.ac.uk/graduateschool/documents/bbsrc-dtp/molecules-cells-and-organisms-projects-2013-2014va.pdf
Studies on the classic shell colour and banding polymorphism of the land snail Cepaea played a crucial role in establishing the importance of natural selection in maintaining morphological variation. Cepaea is also a pre-eminent model for ecological genetics because the outward colour and banding phenotype is entirely genetically determined, primarily by a ‘supergene’ of at least five loci. Unfortunately, progress in understanding the evolution and maintenance of the Cepaea polymorphism stalled, partly because of a lack of genetic markers. With a view to re-establish Cepaea as a prominent model of molecular ecology, we are applying next generation sequencing methods to investigate the evolution, genetics and development of this colour polymorphism. Although the precise nature of the project will be determined by the state of play when the project begins and the interests of the student, I envisage that we will use Illumina RAD-Seq genotyping runs, along with RNA Seq methods and possible BAC mapping to home in on the genes in question. He/she may also develop new species/models to study (possibly involving fieldwork), enabling deeper comparative analyses, or develop in situ based methods to compare gene expression. The student will receive training in standard molecular lab methods, next generation sequencing and bioinformatic methods. The training programme also includes first year rotation projects, plus a three-month full-time placement outside of the research environment. Finally, as another research interest of the lab is in the evolution and development of sinistral snails, then a project in this area is also possible.
Applicants should have, or expect to receive, a good degree in a relevant subject, and an interest and enthusiasm for evolution. In the first instance, prospective students should send a CV and an indication of general area of interest to [Email Address Removed]; see also www.angusdavison.org.
How to apply:
Applicants should go to www.nottingham.ac.uk/bbdtp to download the application and reference forms. For more information regarding projects, training and structure of the DTP see http://www.findaphd.com/search/PhDDetails.aspx?CAID=954&LID=338
and www.nottingham.ac.uk/bbdtp. Note that an important part of this BBSRC DTP scheme is a lab rotation during the first year. A full list of the possible projects under the Molecules, Cells and Organisms banner is here http://nottingham.ac.uk/graduateschool/documents/bbsrc-dtp/molecules-cells-and-organisms-projects-2013-2014va.pdf
Funding Notes
International Applicants: There are a number of international studentships available, http://www.nottingham.ac.uk/internationalstudents/scholarshipsfeesfinance/scholarships/index.aspx
Normally these studentships provide only tuition fees so applicants should be able to provide at least their own living expenses for the duration of the course.
UK and EU Applicants: Although the vast majority of our home students are fully funded we have traditionally attracted a number of students willing to fund their own training. Home student seeking funded places should see
http://www.nottingham.ac.uk/graduateschool/doctoral-training-centres/bbsrc-doctoral-training-programme-in-biosciences/index.aspx for information about new Research Council funding arrangements.
Normally these studentships provide only tuition fees so applicants should be able to provide at least their own living expenses for the duration of the course.
UK and EU Applicants: Although the vast majority of our home students are fully funded we have traditionally attracted a number of students willing to fund their own training. Home student seeking funded places should see
http://www.nottingham.ac.uk/graduateschool/doctoral-training-centres/bbsrc-doctoral-training-programme-in-biosciences/index.aspx for information about new Research Council funding arrangements.
References
FURTHER READING
Baird NA, Etter PD, Atwood TS, Currey MC, Shiver AL, et al. 2008 Rapid SNP Discovery and Genetic Mapping Using Sequenced RAD Markers. PLoS ONE 3(10): e3376. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0003376 ).
Baird NA, Etter PD, Atwood TS, Currey MC, Shiver AL, et al. 2008 Rapid SNP Discovery and Genetic Mapping Using Sequenced RAD Markers. PLoS ONE 3(10): e3376. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0003376 ).
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