------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ PhD projects@JCU on shrimp aquaculture and evolutionary genomics: https://research.jcu.edu.au/itrh-apb/vacancies We are looking for students with skills in genomics, transcriptomics and evolutionary bioinformatics for the following projects: Project 5 - Functional transcriptomics of viral infection in the black tiger prawn (James Cook University and CSIRO) This project will examine whether the manner in which a black tiger prawn ( Penaeus monodon ) is challenged with Gill-associated virus (GAV) affects what defence response pathways can be activated to protect the prawn against infection/disease. Essential components of the project will be GAV challenge trials in P. monodon and the generation and interrogation of RNAseq data to identify/predict genes and gene pathways activated in response to GAV challenge via the various infection routes examined. Silencing of gene expression using RNA interference (RNAi) will also be employed to further explore the functioning of genes predicted to have pivotal roles in the prawn defence response. The desired candidate will preferably have a background in molecular genetics along with skills in next-generation sequencing approaches and computational analyses. ____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Project 6 - Comparative, evolutionary and functional genomics of the black tiger prawn (University of Sydney & James Cook University) This project will be a component of the full genome assembly of an inbred black tiger prawn ( Penaeus monodon ) based on a combination of short-read sequences and standard mate-pair end Illumina together with the use of long-read sequencing data based on PacBio, HiC, Nanopore platforms for improved hybrid assembly (scaffold/chromosome level). After the genome is annotated thoroughly, the project will aim to find syntenic blocks and reconstruct the evolutionary history of Decapods/crustaceans by comparing the P. monodon genome to the genomes of Daphnia , Artemia , Litopenaeus vannamei and potentially of other decapods/crustaceans. The desired candidate will preferably have a background in molecular genetics along with skills in next-generation sequencing approaches and computational analyses. -- Stephane Rombauts Senior staff scientist Tel:+32 (0)9 331 38 21 Department of Plant Systems Biology VIB, Ghent University Technologiepark 927 9052 Ghent, Belgium http://www.psb.ugent.be
