
PhD: Department of Genetics, Stellenbosch University
Snoek (Thyrsites atun) is a culturally, economically and ecologically important fish species of Western Cape coastal waters. Local South African stocks (Cape snoek) are targeted by traditional line fishery, small-scale commercial fishery, and caught as bycatch in trawlfisheries. Thyrsites atun's distribution range is believed to span throughout the coastal cold-temperate waters of the southern hemisphere. However, recent molecular data have challenged the taxonomic status of Cape snoek, suggesting that it may be a distinct species from its direct imported) competitor in the South African market, the New Zealand snoek (also known as barracouta). Furthermore, little is known about the genetic composition of local South African wild populations, which are currently managed as a single stock. Thus, confirming the taxonomic distinctiveness of Cape snoek would provide significant added value to this important Western Cape marine resource and its associated fishing communities.
Recent advances in high-throughput sequencing technology are allowing the generation and subsequent study of large amounts of genomic (DNA) data from non-model organisms for which little prior molecular information is available. The proposed research project aims at providing added value to Cape snoek by resolving the taxonomic status of local stocks. This will be achieved by utilising next generation sequencing and using the generated data to mine genetic markers capable of resolving intra- and interspecific genetic relationships which can be subsequently applied to resolve the phylogeographic structure of snoek throughout the intended sampling areas.
This research will be conducted in the Molecular Breeding and Biodiversity Laboratory at the Stellenbosch University in the Department of Genetics.
The candidate should have an M.Sc. degree in Genetics or another relevant field of study and have a strong background in molecular genetics. Practical experience with population and/or evolutionary genetics software and data analyses will serve as strong recommendation.
The project is funded by the NRF CPRR and a bursary is available for the successful candidate.
Suitable candidates are requested to submit a letter of application stating areas of expertise, research interests and experience and details (names and contact details) of at least two academics who have taught, supervised or worked alongside the applicant.
Enquiries and applications should be submitted to Prof. Rouvay Roodt-Wilding at [email protected]. The closing date for submission of applications is 31 January 2018.