PhD Opportunity: Using isotopic forensics to recreate a historic profile
of animal health
Rationale
This project aims to ascertain the nutritional history and generate
information about migratory patterns of Serengeti wildebeest by
characterising of the isotopic signature of sequential samples along the
length of an animal's hair. The study will first test the use of
hydrogen and oxygen isotopes in tail hair from GPS tagged migratory
wildebeest from the Serengeti to recreate the gross movement patterns.
Second, specific amino acids in hair keratin will be characterised to
determine when endogenous versus exogenous sources of carbon and
nitrogen are being utilised by an animal as its nutritional status
fluctuates. This will include tests on dairy cows, in which
nutritional/metabolic changes associated with reproductive history are
well characterised. Third, the candidate will utilise hair from
autopsied wildebeest whose cause of death is known to elucidate the
animal's nutritional history preceding death.
About you
We are seeking dynamic candidates with strong ecology/zoology
backgrounds, able to function across disciplines, and an enthusiasm to
learn the skills and intricacies of stable isotope forensics. Potential
applicants must have a minimum of an Upper Second Class degree in an
appropriate subject. Funding is only available to European and UK
Students. This is funded for 3.5 years, half by SUERC and half by a
standard RCUK PhD training award, so please check the eligibility
criteria here:
http://www.rcuk.ac.uk/RCUK-prod/assets/documents/documents/TermsConditionsTrainingGrants.pdf
<http://www.findaphd.com/common/clickCount.aspx?theid=56825&type=75&url=http%3a%2f%2fwww.rcuk.ac.uk%2fRCUK-prod%2fassets%2fdocuments%2fdocuments%2fTermsConditionsTrainingGrants.pdf>
Skill development
Initial lab work will comprise some isotope analysis technique
development. SUERC, and particularly the Life Sciences Mass Spectrometry
Facility, has a strong pedigree in providing innovative stable isotope
techniques and training to the ecology community. The student will be
largely based at SUERC, however will also have the opportunity to
interact with a vibrant intellectual environment provided by the labs
based in Institute of Biodiversity, Animal Health and Comparative at the
University of Glasgow and the Glasgow Vet School.
For more information please visit:
http://www.findaphd.com/search/ProjectDetails.aspx?PJID=56825
Please submit a CV and the contact details of two referees to Rona
McGill ([email protected]
<http://www.findaphd.com/search/EmailEnquiry.aspx?fapjid=56825&LID=2252&[email protected]>)
Deadline: December 1st, 2014.
--
Dr. J. Grant C. Hopcraft
Lord Kelvin Adam Smith Research Fellow
Boyd Orr Centre for Population and Ecosystem Health
Institute of Biodiversity, Animal Health and Comparative Medicine
University of Glasgow
Office: +44-141-330-1685
http://www.gla.ac.uk/researchinstitutes/bahcm/staff/granthopcraft/
www.serengetidata.org <http://www.serengetidata.org/>
