Two PhD positions available at the intersection of genomics, physiology and freshwater biology, as applied to understanding climate impacts. Project 1: Investigating the Direct and Indirect Impacts of rising CO2 on the Kâkahi (New Zealand Freshwater Mussel) Fully funded PhD position, Ôtâkou Whakaihu Waka - University of Otago/ Te Herenga Waka - Victoria University of Wellington/ NIWA, New Zealand We are recruiting a PhD student who will use the latest tools in genomics and molecular biology to understand the direct and indirect impacts of rising CO2 levels on the Kâkahi, the New Zealand Freshwater Mussel. This taonga (treasured) species has been affected both directly (e.g. pH changes) and indirectly (e.g. algae compositional changes) by rising CO2 levels, and our work aims to shed light on what might be occurring at a molecular and phenotypic level in response to these challenges. This work is part of an MBIE Endeavour programme (Safeguarding Te Mana o te Awa o Waikato from Emerging Climatic Pressures), and includes exciting opportunities to collaborate with world-leading scientists at research institutions across New Zealand, work alongside the kaitiaki (guardians) of this species, and gain sought-after skills. The project will involve * Sampling Kâkahi alongside hapori Mâori and other scientists, contrasting their biology under differing environmental conditions * Performing comparisons of morphological features (using histological and imaging approaches) * Producing cutting-edge genomic and transcriptomic resources * Investigating the cellular-level differences in key life stages/tissues, contrasting composition and gene expression with SPLiTseq-based single cell RNAseq This project would suit a student with some existing research experience in fields such as genomic analysis, bioinformatics, or molecular biology, and an interest in fieldwork. The doctoral student will be enrolled at the University of Otago, but will work in close collaboration with scientists at Te Herenga Waka Victoria University of Wellington (particularly Dr Chris Cornwall, who will co-supervise this work), Lincoln Agritech and NIWA (the National Institute of Water and Atmospheric research). This position comes with a stipend ($28,600 NZ per annum), a tuition fee waiver, and will receive further support from the broader work programme, including dedicated networking and training opportunities. In particular, there will be opportunities to work alongside scientists and students studying freshwater algae in the same ecosystem, which will lead to exciting collaborative opportunities. For more information please contact Nathan Kenny (nathan.kenny@otago.ac.nz). To apply, please send a CV, a few paragraphs stating your skillset, fit, and reason for interest in the position, and two academic referees. International applicants with a strong academic and research record are eligible for funding under this scheme (although travel/visa costs are not covered) and are encouraged to apply. --- Project 2: How will freshwater acidification impact algal communities? Fully funded PhD position, Te Herenga Waka - Victoria University of Wellington/University of Otago/Lincoln University/Cawthron, New Zealand We are recruiting a PhD student who will use the latest tools in eco-physiology and molecular biology to understand the direct and indirect impacts of rising CO2 levels on algal communities. This work aims to shed light on the interactive effects of decreasing pH and increasing CO2 levels on the physiology of different algal species, as well as exploring species shifts in freshwater ecosystems to inform how these systems might respond to future acidification due to increasing atmospheric CO2. This work is part of an MBIE Endeavour programme (Safeguarding Te Mana o te Awa o Waikato from Emerging Climatic Pressures), and includes exciting opportunities to collaborate with world-leading scientists at research institutions across Aotearoa New Zealand, work alongside the kaitiaki (guardians) of this species, and gain sought-after skills. The project will involve: - Sampling algal species alongside hapori Mâori and other scientists, contrasting their biology under differing environmental conditions. - Performing comparisons of physiological traits (using eco-physiology, molecular biology and isotope chemistry). - Investigating the cellular-level differences in key species, contrasting composition and gene expression with transcriptomic comparisons and SPLiTseq-based single cell RNAseq. This project would suit a student with some existing research experience in fields such as algal physiology, bioinformatics, freshwater ecology, or molecular biology, and an interest in fieldwork. The doctoral student will be enrolled at Victoria University of Wellington, but will work in close collaboration with scientists at University of Otago (Dr Nathan Kenny, co-supervisor), Lincoln University/Cawthron (Dr Susie Wood, co-supervisor), and Lincoln Agritech. This position comes with a stipend ($35,000 NZ per annum minus any insurance costs), a tuition fee waiver, and will receive further support from the broader work programme, including dedicated networking and training opportunities. In particular, there will be opportunities to work alongside scientists and students studying freshwater mussels in the same ecosystem, which will lead to exciting collaborative opportunities. For more information, please contact Christopher Cornwall (Christopher.cornwall@vuw.ac.nz). To apply, please send a CV, a few paragraphs stating your skillset, aspirations, and reason for interest in the position, and two academic referees to the address above. International applicants with a strong academic and research record are eligible for funding under this scheme (although travel/visa costs are not covered) and are encouraged to apply. Nathan Kenny (to subscribe/unsubscribe the EvolDir send mail to golding@mcmaster.ca)