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Life at Earlham Institute
We believe that our people are our greatest asset, and we want you to have the freedom to achieve your very best work here.
The characterisation of genetic diversity and demographic structure of fish populations are essential in assessing and maintaining stocks sustainability.
Population structure and genetic diversity of stocks have mainly been assessed using limited genetic markers. While useful for broad population estimates, these methods lack power to quantify gene flow and cannot detect structural variants.
In contrast, long-read DNA sequencing generates genome fragments tens to hundred of kilobases with high accuracy capturing both single nucleotide and structural variants. These technologies also detect chromatin methylation, enabling non-lethal and accurate age prediction from small tissue samples.
With CEFAS researchers, this project aims to:
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generate pangenomes to capture genomic variation
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quantifying genetic diversity
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characterising population demographics for commercially harvested populations of two species: the Atlantic Blue Fin tuna and the Atlantic herring.
With contrasting population trajectories, these provide complementary systems for investigating genetic diversity, population structure, and demographic history to inform sustainable fisheries management.
We are looking for an enthusiastic student with interests and/or experience in genomics and population genetics.
In this project you will gain highly transferable skills in bioinformatics, genomics, and population genetics, fisheries management and evidence-based policy making. Engagement with academic and industrial collaborators will provide exposure to advanced long-read sequencing methodologies and analytical approaches.
The project will be conducted at the Earlham Institute, a world-class BBSRC research centre of excellence in genomics, engineering and computational biology, and AI. You will join a highly collaborative and supportive research community and have access to training and career development opportunities across the Norwich Research Park.
Participation in journal clubs, lab-meetings, conferences, and collaborative research networks will support professional development and scientific independence. You will be encouraged to explore new questions inspired by their aspirations, such as population modelling, and demographic forecasting.
