Opportunities for Students
We always have opportunities available for high quality candidates to join our team.
Postgraduate research opportunities
The National eDNA Reference Centre is currently looking for interested individuals to undertake student summer projects at the University of Canberra to learn and obtain skills in eDNA workflows. Please contact us for more information.
Population Genetics and Environmental DNA
Extracting population genetic data from environmental DNA samples
We have an exciting opportunity to advance the field of environmental DNA (eDNA) by extracting detailed genetic data on entire populations. The selected candidate will conduct original research to evaluate the capacity for rapid and efficient extraction of population genetic data from a simple environmental sample. The project will involve modelling, laboratory trials and empirical validation on Australian freshwater fish species to determine the potential for eDNA samples to provide valuable population genetic data. This project expects to significantly enhance conservation management by providing critical information on genetic diversity and population health.
We are seeking a motivated candidate to undertake a PhD focusing on this topic. The research would require working collaboratively with state government department and, consequently, would suit a PhD candidate with strong interests in both basic and applied ecological research. The ideal candidate will have a strong academic record and previous research experience in eDNA or molecular genetics. The PhD program will be supervised by Dr Elise Furlan at the University of Canberra.
You’ll need a first-class honours or Masters degree from an Australian or New Zealand University (obtained within the last 10 years) to receive a PhD scholarship of $30,000/year. The project will be based at the University of Canberra
If interested, please contact Dr Elise Furlan: Elise.Furlan@canberra.edu.au
Summer Studentships
Undergraduate students who would like to engage in research with our team have an opportunity to undertake an 8-week project over summer. This is a great chance for students to gain research experience eDNA technology.
Genome skimming of high priority insect pests: bioprospecting novel genes for biosecurity applications in Australia-Invasive ants
Research area: Population genetics, biosecurity, gene discovery
Start date: Summer 2023
Supervision: Dianne Gleeson (academic supervisor), Alejandro Trujillo-Gonzalez & Foyez Shams
Invasive ants are amongst the most damaging species in the world. Australia currently battles with multiple invasive ant species, of which red imported fire ants (Solenopsis invicta) and yellow crazy ants (Anoplolepis gracilipes) are two of the most invasive ant species in Australia. Developing novel, highly sensitive detection methods would greatly improve biosecurity surveillance for these pest species, however, little is known on their genetic diversity and population structure. Diversity Arrays Technology (DArT) also known as DArTseq is a next-generation sequencing platform with a combination of complexity reduction methods that produces thousands of genome-wide markers. This project aims to use DArTseq to target polymorphic regions of invasive ant species to generate thousands of single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) and SilicoDArT (present-absent) loci.
This project offers unique training opportunities to work alongside with leading experts in the field of genetics to assess species-specific polymorphic sites in invasive ants to develop species-specific molecular assays.
Research area: Population genetics, biosecurity, gene discovery
Start date: Summer 2023
Supervision: Dianne Gleeson (academic supervisor), Alejandro Trujillo-Gonzalez & Foyez Shams
Invasive ants are amongst the most damaging species in the world. Australia currently battles with multiple invasive ant species, of which red imported fire ants (Solenopsis invicta) and yellow crazy ants (Anoplolepis gracilipes) are two of the most invasive ant species in Australia. Developing novel, highly sensitive detection methods would greatly improve biosecurity surveillance for these pest species, however, little is known on their genetic diversity and population structure. Diversity Arrays Technology (DArT) also known as DArTseq is a next-generation sequencing platform with a combination of complexity reduction methods that produces thousands of genome-wide markers. This project aims to use DArTseq to target polymorphic regions of invasive ant species to generate thousands of single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) and SilicoDArT (present-absent) loci.
This project offers unique training opportunities to work alongside with leading experts in the field of genetics to assess species-specific polymorphic sites in invasive ants to develop species-specific molecular assays.
For information for potential candidates on programmes on offer, eligibility, enrolment requirements and financial support available, please refer to the University of Canberra’s graduate research information. https://www.canberra.edu.au/research/graduate-research/future-research-students
EcoDNA acknowledges the Ngunnawal people, traditional custodians of the lands where we are situated. We wish to acknowledge and respect their continuing culture and the contribution they make to the life of Canberra and the region. We also acknowledge all other First Nations Peoples on whose lands we gather.
Email: ecoDNA@canberra.edu.au
Address: Building 7, Level D, University of Canberra, Bruce ACT 2617 Australia