Discovering
candidate sex determining genes in a reptile with genetic and temperature
dependent sex determination
We
are seeking potentially TWO FULLY FUNDED PhD students with interests in
genomics, genetics and reproduction, molecular cytogenetics and evolution to
carry out targeted and intensive molecular and functional characterisation of
candidate sex determining genes in a model reptile species.
Project
Description
Sex
determination in vertebrates is the focus of vigorous enquiry, because of its
intrinsic interest as a crucial fundamental biological process. Yet, despite
decades of work, we know remarkably little, in vertebrates generally, of the
processes that direct sexual development down one or the other of the male or
female development pathways, and sex determining genes have been identified in
only a handful of vertebrate species. Non-mammalian systems are much less well
understood, partly because they have received less attention, but also because
of their astonishing diversity. Reptiles, in particular have a truly impressive
array of sex-determining modes, compared with the conservatism of mammals and
birds. Among reptiles with genotypic sex determination (GSD), male and female
heterogamety (XY and ZW) is known in turtles, female heterogamety (ZW, ZZW, or
ZWW) is known in snakes and both male and female heterogamety (including XXY)
are known in lizards.
The
aim of this project is to carry out targeted and intensive molecular and
functional characterisations of candidate sex determining genes in the model
reptile, the central bearded dragon (Pogona vitticeps) in order to identify key
sex determining genes in this species and to use this information to dissect
evolutionary mechanisms initiating sex chromosome differentiation within
reptiles.
Prospective
students
The
prospective candidate should have experience in routine molecular genetics and
cytogenetics, evolutionary genetics and genomics techniques including basic
knowledge with Next Generation Sequencing approaches and analyses. The
prospective candidates are expected to have demonstrated capacity to learn new
techniques and skills necessary for the successful completion of the project.
Candidates with previous experience in working on molecular aspects of sex
determination in non model species will be advantageous but not
essential.
Minimum
qualifications
B.Sc.
with first class Honours degree or equivalent in Genetics, Genomics, Molecular
Biology, comparative genomics, molecular
cytogenetics.
Scholarship
Funding
Scholarships
are available for high performing students through one off special funding which
includes maintenance, tuition fees exemption and basic research funding.
Eligibility
These
two scholarships are open to all nationalities. However, international students
need to fulfill the admission criteria set by the University of Canberra
including successful completion of English language test. Please see the link
below for detailed about admission at the University of
Canberra.
Domestic
students with first class Honours are eligible for university of Canberra PhD
scholarship as well as top-up scholarship offered by IAE. See the link below for
IAE top up scholarship.
How
to Apply
Prospective
applicants are encouraged to make informal enquiries to Associate Professor
Tariq Ezaz via email. The successful applicants are expected to start in
May-June 2012, however, position will remain open until
filled.
Please
send your Curriculum Vitae, a summary of your written scientific work, copy of
your academic transcript, and the names of three referees (one of whom should be
your most recent research supervisor).
Please
email above documents with a covering letter to:
Associate
Professor Tariq Ezaz
E-mail:
Tariq.Ezaz@canberra.edu.au
Institute
for Applied Ecology (http://www.canberra.edu.au/
