This fully funded, 4-year PhD project is part of a competition funded by the BBSRC EASTBIO Doctoral Training Partnership.
Over £1 billion income to Scottish economy is generated by the Atlantic salmon aquaculture. The highest cost for salmon production is feed, and the efficiency of feed retention is a high research priority; although few significant advances have been made in recent years.
In our recent work we demonstrate that modification of type-A g-aminobutyric acid receptor (GABAAR) activity in fish brain significantly increases appetite, which has not been shown previously. Next, we revealed that GABAAR activity in the fish brain depends on CO2 concentration in water which is commonly high in aquaculture. Hence, our working hypothesis is that mimicking the response to optimal CO2 in water could be an environment- and consumer-friendly approach to increase fish growth efficiency.
Our further research allowed collection of neurophysiological and genetic data supporting the working hypothesis and suggested several underlying molecular mechanisms. Based on our initial results we can now test these mechanisms and set up research equipment allowing automated quantification of impact of biochemical and environmental factors on fish feeding behaviour.
This could lead to the development of new ecologically friendly methods to enhance food consumption and growth in commercial fish aquaculture and further our understanding of neural signalling pathways in lower vertebrates.
In this project we will use state of the art cellular and molecular electrophysiology, molecular genetics and behavioural tests. The successful candidate should have an experience in at least one of these areas; training on other methods to be provided.
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ELIGIBILITY:
- Applicants should hold a minimum of a 2:1 UK Honours degree (or international equivalent) in a relevant subject. Those with a 2:2 UK Honours degree (or international equivalent) may be considered, provided they have (or are expected to achieve) a Distinction or Commendation at master’s level.
- All students must meet the eligibility criteria as outlined in the UKRI guidance on UK, EU and international candidates. This guidance should be read in conjunction with the UKRI Training Grant Terms and Conditions, esp. TGC 5.2 & Annex B.
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APPLICATION PROCEUDRE:
- Please visit this page for full application information: How to apply | eastbio (eastscotbiodtp.ac.uk)
- Please send your completed EASTBIO application form, along with academic transcripts to Alison Innes at: [Email Address Removed]
- Two references should be provided by the deadline using the EASTBIO reference form. References should be sent to [Email Address Removed]
- Unfortunately, due to workload constraints, we cannot consider incomplete applications.
- CV's submitted directly through a FindAPhD enquiry WILL NOT be considered.
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