Job title
PhD Studentship: Population genetics of the Irish white-clawed crayfish using traditional and non-invasive eDNA methods and investigation into potential resistance to the crayfish plague pathogen.
Company
Atlantic Technological University (ATU) in collaboration with the Marine Institute, Ireland.
Description of the job
An exciting four-year (CULLEN) PhD scholarship is available to take part in an applied research collaboration between the Atlantic Technological University (ATU) and the Marine Institute (Galway), in Ireland. This full-time research opportunity will aim at using molecular genetics and biochemistry techniques to generate high-impact scientific evidence for the conservation and management of Irish white clawed crayfish.
The White-Clawed Crayfish (Austropotamobius pallipes) is an endangered freshwater crayfish species found in Europe. It is classified as Endangered in the IUCN Red List and the Irish population is considered to be of substantial conservation importance within Europe. Under Irish and European legislation, it is listed on Annex II and Annex V of the EU Habitats Directive, hence 15 Special Areas of Conservation (SACs) have been designated in Ireland.
Main research objectives:
- Conduct a comprehensive review of relevant WCC literature and associated genetic resources, including latest protocols for genetic data acquisition and analysis.
- Develop and implement a mitogenome sequencing protocol for WCC to better capture genetic variation in Irish WCC and to generate a permanent genetic resource.
- Conduct a population genetic and phylogeography study of WCC in Ireland using nuclear and mitochondrial markers to provide recommendations on conservation and management.
- Implement environmental DNA (eDNA) tools to monitor distribution of WCC, pathogens and potential vectors to aid the understanding of pathogen spread dynamics and the identification of potential ark sites.
- Investigate the immune resistance mechanisms that contribute to the survival of Irish WCC populations exposed to previous crayfish plague outbreaks by characterizing their immune proteins.
Key responsibilities:
- Conduct field work for sample collection, including participation to the National Crayfish Plague Surveillance Programme.
- Conduct molecular laboratory procedures, including protein/DNA/eDNA extraction, DNA quantification, PCR, qPCR, gel electrophoresis, microsatellite genotyping, mitogenome sequencing using High Throughput Sequencing technologies, Sanger sequencing and proteomic analysis.
- Execute analytical pipelines using dedicated software packages (e.g. R).
- Establish and maintain a reference database for biological and genetic data.
- Maintain laboratory notebooks, research records and generate technical reports.
- Disseminate findings by means of conference/symposia contributions and publication in peer-reviewed scientific journals.
Funding:
- 4-year PhD stipend of €25,000 per annum.
- Fees of €6,000 per annum (sufficient to cover EU citizens, but not for non-EU citizens).
- Full cover of cost of research materials.
- Travel to attend conferences and training.
Requirements
Minimum requirements:
- Honours Degree (minimum 2.1 BSc) in Biological Sciences, Molecular Biology, Biochemistry or equivalent/relevant area.
- Some experience with basic molecular techniques such as Nucleic Acid extraction, PCR and gel electrophoresis and/or basic biochemistry techniques.
- Expertise in either field and/or laboratory experimental design.
- Evidence of planning and executing concurrent tasks as an individual and as part of a research team.
- Must be fluent in spoken and written English.
- Proficiency in communication, initiative, flexibility and organisational skills.
Additional desirable requirements:
- Publication track-record and strong technical report writing and presentation skills.
- Experience in DNA-based field approaches, including sample acquisition and nucleic acid isolation.
- Experience in DNA-based laboratory approaches, including quantitative real-time PCR (qPCR) and sample preparation for High Throughput Sequencing (HTS).
- Experience with eDNA analysis and associated bioinformatics.
- Experience with protein extraction and analysis.
- Experience working in a "clean room" environment and/or an accredited molecular laboratory (e.g. ISO17025 standard).
- Have a full (international EU) driving licence.
Location
Galway, Ireland.
Salary
€25,000 per annum.
How to apply
Applications must include a Curriculum Vitae (including 2 references and contact details of academic referees) and a personal statement not exceeding 2 pages explaining: (i) how you meet or plan to meet the project's requirements, (ii) your motivation and interest in the topic, and (iii) why you would like to pursue a PhD research programme in Ireland and ATU/MI.
Applications must be submitted as a single MS Word or PDF file (with subject line "Application to WCC CULLEN scholarship") to Dr Luca Mirimin by email: luca.mirimin@atu.ie.
Deadline
23/01/2026.
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