About the Project
Dr. K.R. Elmer, Institute of Biodiversity, Animal Health & Comparative Medicine, University of Glasgow,
Prof. O. Gaggiotti, School of Biology, St. Andrew’s University,
Dr. L.E. Jarvis, Science and Research Manager, Froglife
About This PhD Project
Project Description
Funding Notes
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Project Description
Amphibians have striking colour pattern variations that are presumed, but rarely demonstrated, to have a role as anti-predator defense. Ecological and genetic insights to phenotypic variability are simultaneously a question of individual potential and community context. In amphibians, the association between colouration, abiotic/biotic environmental context, mimicry, and toxicity is compelling but poorly understood.
Smooth newts and great crested newts possess striking ventral yellow/orange colour patterns. When threatened by predators both species will display the colouration as a predator avoidance strategy. Great crested newts endogenously produce poisonous secretions from specialised glands that they use in predator defence and are distinctly distasteful to predators. However, smooth newts are not known to possess any toxicity glands so the bright ventral colouration is thought to mimic that of other toxic amphibians and/or play a role in sex differences.
This project will break new ground in our understanding of the genetic basis of the ventral colour patterning, toxicity and effectiveness of predator defence in great crested newts and smooth newts. Great crested newts in particular are of major conservation concern and therefore this project has an applied conservation component. This project involves state of the art approaches combined with ecological and genomic study in natural environments.
For more details see:
http://www.iapetus.ac.uk/iap2-18-04-environmental-and-genomic-associations-with-colour-and-toxicity-biological-insights-for-newt-species-of-conservation-concern/
and
http://elmerlab.blogspot.com
Eligibility
All applicants need to meet NERC’s eligibility criteria to be considered for an IAPETUS studentship and these are detailed in NERC’s current studentship handbook.
IAPETUS is only able to consider applications from Home/European Union candidates. International candidates are not eligible to be considered and where an candidate from another EU country has not been resident in the UK for 3 years or more prior to the commencement of their studies with IAPETUS, they will only be eligible for a fees-only studentship.
IAPETUS is looking for candidates with the following qualities and backgrounds:
A first or 2:1 undergraduate degree, or have relevant comparable experience;
In addition, candidates may also hold or be completing a Masters degree in their area of proposed study or a related discipline; &
An outstanding academic pedigree and research potential, such as evidenced through the publication of articles, participation in academic conferences and other similar activities.
Funding Notes
IAPETUS’ postgraduate studentships are tenable for between 3 and 4 years, depending on the doctoral research project the student is studying and provides the following package of financial support:
A tax-free maintenance grant set at the UK Research Council’s national rate, which in 2019/20 is £14,999 (pending confirmation).
Full payment of their tuition fees at the Home/EU rate; &
Access to extensive research support funding.
Part-time award-holders are funded for between six (6) and eight (8) years and receive a maintenance grant at 50% of the full-time rate.
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.
Deadline: Friday 18th January 2019 at 4 pm (GMT).
In the application, students need to specify clearly that they wish to be considered for an IAPETUS2 studentship and state the research project (s) that they wish to be considered for,
Prospective students must provide/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 successful applicant will proceed to an interview at the IAPETUS2 Studentships Panel on Wednesday 20th February 2019.
Informal inquiries in advance to Kathryn Elmer are encouraged.
Related subjects:
Mimicry
Toxicity
Population genomics
Environmental adaptation
Amphibian