PhD Position: Bio-protection Centre, Lincoln University, New Zealand.Biosecurity, high-risk ornamental fish and molecular genetic detection

New Zealand is a world-leader in the design and implementation of
biosecurity systems used to protect its unique indigenous fauna and
flora. This includes the use of state-of-the-art technologies to detect
and prevent the establishment of high-risk exotic species and their
diseases.

A PhD scholarship is available to develop DNA barcoding as a rapid
and reliable diagnostic method to identify targeted exotic ornamental
(aquarium) fish. Ornamental fish come from many countries where their
health status is unknown. Furthermore, the mixing of fish in wholesale
warehouse tanks before export to New Zealand means shipments may contain
species other than those legally permitted for import. These species
are difficult to detect visually, but they represent a significant risk
to New Zealand’s pristine waterways, potentially competing with
native species and introducing exotic pathogens. Laboratory procedures
will principally concern the generation and analysis of fish DNA barcode
sequences, and sequences of other genes as appropriate. These data
will subsequently be used to investigate diagnostic platforms based on
technologies such as micro- or macro-arrays, high resolution melt (HRM)
analysis, or a novel nano-engineered molecular assay. Accordingly, the
student will develop appropriate molecular genetic hypotheses that test
the suitability of barcode gene targets, fish taxonomic and evolutionary
relationships, and biotechnological limits.

This Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry, Biosecurity New Zealand
(MAFBNZ) funded PhD scholarship will be taken up at Lincoln University,
Christchurch, New Zealand. Principal supervisors will be Drs Karen
Armstrong and Shelley Ball (Lincoln University, http://www.lincoln.ac.nz/;
Bio-Protection Centre), with advisory input from Drs Suzanne
Keeling and Colin Johnston (MAFBNZ, http://www.biosecurity.govt.nz/;
Investigation and Diagnostic Centre, Wallaceville). This team combines
internationally-recognised expertise in DNA-based species identification
systems with experts in delivery of biosecurity systems. Training will
therefore involve the transfer of valuable skills required in the rapidly
growing field of sciences for biosecurity, and establish a sound pathway
to further academic or relevant employment opportunities within New
Zealand or abroad.

Applicants should have a keen interest in the development and application
of molecular technologies and hold, or expect to hold, a high grade
undergraduate or Masters-level degree (or equivalent) in relevant life
sciences. The award covers a fulltime stipend, registration fees, and
project costs for a three-year study.

Please e-mail your CV to Dr Karen Armstrong at [email protected]. The
closing date for applications for this studentship is 20/6/08.

National Centre for Advanced Bio-Protection Technologies PO Box 84 Lincoln
University Canterbury NEW ZEALAND p + 64 3 325 3696 f + 64 3 325 3864

Dr. Shelley L. Ball
Research Officer
Molecular Diagnostics Laboratory
National Centre for Advanced Bio-protection Technologies
Box 84, Lincoln University
Canterbury, New Zealand
Phone: 64 (3) 325-2811 or 64 (3) 325-3696, extension 8411
if calling after hours, dial 325-3838, ext. 8411
FAX: +64 (3) 325-3844
(when dialing from overseas, dial 011 before the 64)
E-mail:[email protected]
http://bioprotection.lincoln.ac.nz

Bio-Protection is a National Centre incorporating staff from Lincoln
University, Massey University, AgResearch, Crop & Food Research and
seven other collaborator institutes that conducts world class research
and development to meet the biosecurity and pest management needs of
New Zealand’s primary industries and natural ecosystems