Graduate (MS) position: Development of an epigenetic clock for aging
Pacific halibut (Hippoglossus stenolepis)

A 2-year MS level graduate student project is available in the Fall
of 2024 or earlier for a student interested in the development of
genome-wide DNA methylation-based methods for aging Pacific halibut as
an alternative to current traditional aging methods. The MS student
will be jointly supervised by faculty at Alaska Pacific University
in Anchorage, AK, and biologists and quantitative scientists at the
International Pacific Halibut Commission in Seattle, WA and the Alaska
Fisheries Science Center in Juneau, AK, to develop and validate an
epigenetic clock and high-throughput genomic methods for age estimation
that will inform the Pacific halibut stock assessment. The specific
objectives of this grant-funded project involve: 1) developing an
age estimation method based on the generation of a high-resolution DNA
methylation map for Pacific halibut tissue (fin clips) by drawing on the
high-quality genome assembly (Jasonowicz et al., Mol. Ecol. Res. 2022;
https://doi.org/10.1111/1755-0998.13641) and extensive transcriptomic
data available for Pacific halibut; 2) developing predictive age models
comparing age determinations by traditional (i.e. otolith annuli reading)
and genome-wide DNA methylation-based methods; and, 3) developing error
estimation methods and conducting sensitivity analyses.

Ideal candidates will have a BSc in Fisheries, Marine Biology,
Ecology or related field and programming experience in one or more
modern scripting languages (e.g. R, Python, etc.). Knowledge of using
Command Line Interfaces (CLI) such as Linux, Unix and or Bash shell is
strongly desired. Experience in analyzing genomic data is preferred but
not required.

To apply, please send 1) a cover letter summarizing research interests
and experience, 2) a current CV containing a list of publications (if
applicable), 3) a writing sample, and 4) the names and contact information
for three professional references to Dr. Nathan Wolf at Alaska Pacific
University, Anchorage, AK (nwolf@alaskapacific.edu). Review of candidates
will begin immediately, but the position will remain open until a suitable
candidate is found.

Josep Planas, Ph.D.
Biological & Ecosystem Science Branch Manager
2320 West Commodore Way, Suite 300
Seattle, WA 98199 USA
+1-206-552-7687
josep.planas@iphc.int
www.iphc.int

Josep.Planas@iphc.int

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