About the Project
Prof. K.R. Elmer, Institute of Biodiversity, Animal Health & Comparative Medicine, University of Glasgow,
Prof. Mike Ritchie, St. Andrew’s University
Project Description
Colouration plays a key role in the ecology and life history of most species across all branches of the animal tree of life. Amphibians present some of the most striking colour patterns found in animals, but the molecular mechanisms underlying this variation have remained among the most poorly understood of any vertebrate.
Fire salamanders endogenously produce poisonous secretions from specialised glands that they use in predator defence. Additionally, they are famously variable in colour and pattern across lineages. Yet despite a considerable body of research on salamanders over hundreds of years, the relationships between colour, the environment, and toxicity has not been established. Further, the evolutionary and ecological factors that drive local colour variations have not been determined.
Fire salamanders in Europe are of major conservation concern. If the environment plays an important role on the evolution of such colourations, it is of outmost interest to understand the molecular basis of such mechanisms and their potential response to global warming that is predicted to affect salamander populations in the next decades.
This project will break new ground in our understanding of adaptation, chemical defence, and the genetic basis of colouration, using fire salamanders as a biological model. There will be opportunities for field and/or experimental work with salamanders, molecular laboratory work, and advanced statistical and genomic data analysis.
For more details see:
https://www.iapetus2.ac.uk/studentships/genetic-mechanisms-of-amphibian-colour-pattern-and-toxicity-in-the-natural-environment/
For information on our research areas in the lab, see:
http://elmerlab.blogspot.com
https://www.gla.ac.uk/researchinstitutes/bahcm/staff/kathrynelmer/
Application Process
Prospective students must apply to the University of Glasgow College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences Graduate School via the postgraduate student applications system
https://www.gla.ac.uk/colleges/mvls/graduateschool/howtoapply/
AND the IAPETUS2 website
https://www.iapetus2.ac.uk/studentships/genetic-mechanisms-of-amphibian-colour-pattern-and-toxicity-in-the-natural-environment/
Deadline: 8th Jan 2021 at 1700
In the application, students need to specify clearly that they wish to be considered for an IAPETUS2 studentship and state the research project for which they wish to be considered. Please attach the following documentation/information to their application:
a) Current CV.
b) A cover letter written by the prospective student, no greater than 2 sides in length, detailing their reasons for applying and why they have selected the project that they wish to conduct.
c) Two (or more) references, avoiding any references from any members of the supervisory team that are part of the research project that they wish to conduct.
d) Full transcripts of previous qualifications obtained to date.
The successfully short-listed applicants will proceed to an interview at the IAPETUS2 Studentships Panel on 16 February 2021.
Informal inquiries in advance to Kathryn Elmer are encouraged.
Eligibility and Funding
This is an IAPETUS2 NERC DTP funded studentship. All applicants need to meet NERC’s eligibility criteria to be considered for an IAPETUS studentship and these are detailed here:
https://www.ukri.org/our-work/developing-people-and-skills/find-studentships-and-doctoral-training/get-a-studentship-to-fund-your-doctorate/
UKRI regulations apply – please contact main supervisor if you are not a UK candidate before applying.
Related subjects:
Evolutionary genomics
Toxicity
Molecular mechanism
Environmental adaptation
Amphibian