Fully funded 1 year MSc on basking shark eDNA

Applications are invited for a one-year MSc by Research project funded under the BioDivERsa + project and based in the School of Biological, Earth & Environmental Sciences (BEES), supervised by Prof. Emer Rogan and Dr Tom Reed.

The eWHALE Project

The MSc research forms part of a wider project entitled “Combining environmental DNA sampling, whale watching & citizen science for stakeholder-driven marine biodiversity protection - NE Atlantic & Mediterranean”. The overall eWHALE project seeks to use environmental DNA (eDNA) from water samples to help in area-based conservation. This is a developing area that is moving away from presence/absence of a species to examining in more detail genetic diversity, but due to relatively small sample sizes has yet to determine population structure. To overcome this, in collaboration with industry, particularly whale watching companies, it is anticipated that over a number of spatial and temporal scales, we will be able to provide broader taxonomic resolution data for marine megafauna and associated prey. These efforts will generate an improved knowledge base for safeguarding marine megafauna and its genetic diversity.

The MSc Project

The MSc will focus on examining the feasibility of monitoring basking sharks (Cetorhinus maximus) using eDNA, with a focus on population genetics and prey species.  The student will interact with other team members in conducting this research which will involve fieldwork, including on board a whale watching vessel, laboratory work and data analysis.

Funding

The MSc by Research position is funded for one year through the 2021-2022 BioDivERsa+ call for research proposals, with contributions from the national funders Irish National Parks & Wildlife Service and EPA.

It includes a tax-free stipend of €25,000 p.a. and tuition fees covered at the EU rate.

Start date

1 March 2025

Eligibility criteria

Essential:

• A 1.1 or 2.1 BSc honours degree (or equivalent) in biology, zoology, ecology, marine ecology, genetics, conservation or related subject.
• Experience in molecular laboratory analysis.
• Must be comfortable in fieldwork conditions including the use of small boats.
• A good understanding of, and strong interest in, molecular approaches to monitoring marine populations and their prey.
• A strong understanding of experimental design, data analysis and statistics with an emphasis on bioinformatics, preferably using R packages.
• Willingness to work independently and as part of a team.
• Full, clean driving licence.

Desirable:

• Experience of conducting field work, small boat handling and sea survival certificate.
• Evidence of having completed a research project.
• Willingness to engage with the general public or stakeholders as part of outreach activities.

Please contact Professor Emer Rogan (E.Rogan@ucc.ie) if you have any questions about the position.