PhD project opportunities (James Cook University, Australia): 

Does structural variation underpin adaptation in Antarctic marine invertebrates?

Structural genomic variants (SVs) are now emerging as key drivers of adaptation. Mounting evidence shows that SVs can promote adaptation under gene flow, yet most research on adaptive evolution, speciation, and conservation genetics has been blind to this source of variation because it has used a toolbox based on single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs). Unlike SNPs, which are typically analysed independent of their physical arrangement, SVs often trap many SNPs together which can collectively have large effects. SVs can drive adaptation in different ways; inversions promote ecotype specialisation by linking effects of multiple genes and polyploidy can accelerate adaptation by relaxing evolutionary constraints. The potential for adaptation to environmental change is a ‘critical but poorly known factor’ affecting potential loss of biodiversity in many locations, including the Southern Ocean.  This project will address the key research question of whether genome rearrangement enables adaptation in times of environmental change in Antarctic marine invertebrates.

This project may incorporate some Antarctic fieldwork and will also build upon data already collected from Antarctica.

Requirements: The successful applicant will have a First Class Honours (or equivalent) in biological science or a related field. Preference will be given to those applicants with previous experience in genetics/genomics/bioinformatics. Journal publications in these fields are desirable but not essential.  The PhD will commence in 2026.  Applicants must apply by June 22.

Applicants should be familiar with the Higher Degree by Research Requirements.

Funding: $36,500 pa for 3.5 years (tax exempt). Field and laboratory expenses will be supported by the broader project.

Contact: Interested applicants should send their 1) CV, 2) academic transcript and 3) a short (max. 1 page) letter outlining their suitability and interest in the project to Prof. Jan Strugnell  (jan.strugnell@jcu.edu.au) and Assoc. Prof. Ira Cooke (ira.cooke@jcu.edu.au)

Masters project opportunities (James Cook University, Australia): 

Southern range limit of the tropical Black-lip rock oyster; an emerging aquaculture species

The black-lip rock oyster, Saccostrea echinata, is an emerging aquaculture species in the North of Australia. Fast growth rates and newly established methods of hatchery production contribute to an increasing interest in the farming of this species. A comprehensive assessment of S. echinata’s distribution in Australia is yet to be completed. Adult S. echinata are known to be present as far south as Turkey Beach, but the southern range limit of the species in Queensland is unknown. Understanding its southern range range limit is complicated by high levels of morphological variability, the presence of few distinguishing characteristics and several morphological similar co-occurring oyster species. Molecular genetic methods, including environmental DNA (eDNA), now provide a tool to help establish range limits within the species, including early life history stages. Through the development of species specific assays and application of metabarcoding techniques this project will seek to determine the southern range limit of S. echinata. The project will be a collaboration between the Department of Agriculture and Fisheries, Qld (Bribie Island) and James Cook University (Townsville) and will incorporate field work, laboratory work and molecular genetic analyses.

Supervisors – Dr Max Wingfield (Department of Agriculture and Fisheries, Qld), Prof. Jan Strugnell (James Cook University, Qld).

Sounds interesting? Get in touch! jan.strugnell@jcu.edu.au