Application of genomics to characterise environmental adaptation in farmed fish

Small-scale aquaculture ventures have the potential to greatly improve nutrition in some of the poorest regions of the developing world. In some countries such as Bangladesh small indigenous fish traditionally provided a large proportion of nutrition in poor households but have declined over recent years due to aquatic habitat degradation and growth of large-scale aquaculture. Mola carplet, a species indigenous to southeast Asia, is found in seasonal floodplains and reared in smallholder ponds in Bangladesh, often in polyculture systems with larger carp. This species has very high nutritional content (especially vitamin A and various minerals). However, very little is known about the genetic diversity of mola populations. This project will use previously generated genetic and environmental data to characterise the diversity of mola populations sampled across Bangladesh and to examine associations between genetic markers and environmental factors, with the aim of informing mola production systems in Bangladesh and other developing countries.

Project outline:
1. To characterise genetic variation in farmed mola sampled across Bangladesh using genotyping-by-sequencing data.
2. To identify genomic signatures of environmental adaptation or artificial selection in mola.

This project involves a collaboration between the Roslin Institute (University of Edinburgh) and WorldFish, an international, non-profit research organization that works to reduce hunger and poverty across the world by improving fisheries and aquaculture. The project will provide an exciting opportunity for a keen student to receive training in cutting-edge genetics and genomics techniques at a world-class research institute while also contributing to improvement of food security in the developing world.

Training: A comprehensive training programme will be provided, comprising both specialist scientific training and generic transferable and professional skills. Specialised skills include techniques in quantitative and population genetics, statistics, bioinformatics and genomics.

Requirements: The ideal student will have strong quantitative and computational skills and interests in genetics and aquaculture.

Other projects available:
We would encourage applicants to list up to three projects of interest (ranked 1st, 2nd and 3rd choice) from those listed with a closing date of 10th January 2020 at https://www.ed.ac.uk/roslin/work-study/opportunities/studentships