Microbial ecology of anadromous and catadromous teloests

Start Date: As soon as possible after selection process
Stipend: Standard RCUK

Background: The Newport catchement system at Burrishoole on the West Coast of Ireland (Co Mayo) is among the most exenstively monitored aquatic ecosystems in the world. Full records of anadromous and catadromous fish movements and assciated environemntal data have been gathered since 1970 with the eariest records dating back to 1955. The catchement system is comprised of a series of freshwater loughs and water courses, as well as brackish water loughs that stretching from Bunaveela Lough on the far north of the system to the brackish water Lough Furnace, adjacent to neighbouring Clew Bay. A new project BEYOND 2020 will use the unique Burrishoole ecosystem as a living laboratory to understand aquatic ecology in an era of unprecedented environmental change, via the exploitation of past data and current sample collection facilities.

Aims and Activities: The aim of this PhD program will be to explore the role of tissue-specific microbial communities of stickleback and European eel collected from contrasting saltwater and freshwater environments in the Burrishoole ecosystem in influencing adaptation and environmental tolerance. We expect this PhD program to take a holistic approach, potentially incorporating host genetics, host-microbiome interactions, pathogen exposure and resistance, to understand the potential constraints involved with exploiting novel and/or changing environments. The project will also have access to common garden experiment facilities, both in the lab, as well in nature via the Burrishoole experimental stream system.

Personal Specification: We are looking for an exceptionally motivated and talented student to fill this generously funded position. The student should have a 2.1 undergraduate degree (or equivalent) in a biological field and a demonstrable interest and aptitude in one or more aspects of this project. A master’s degree is preferable but not essential.

Supervisors:
Martin Llewellyn (University of Glasgow), Phil McGinnity (University College Corc)