MS Graduate Position – Aging Pacific Halibut Using DNA Methylation

Graduate Research Assistantship, MS
Alaska Pacific University, Marine and Environmental Sciences

The Fisheries, Aquatic Science, and Technology Laboratory (FAST Lab) at Alaska Pacific University (APU) in Anchorage, AK is seeking candidates for a fully-funded MS position to develop a non-terminal, genome-wide DNA methylation-based method for aging Pacific halibut. This cutting-edge project, which is scheduled to begin in January of 2025, represents a collaboration between the FAST Lab, the International Pacific Halibut Commission (IPHC) in Seattle, WA, and the Auke Bay Laboratories/Alaska Fisheries Science Center in Juneau, AK. The selected student will work with researchers from the three organizations to develop and validate an epigenetic clock and high-throughput genomic methods for novel age estimation that will inform the Pacific halibut management and biology.

This role is an exceptional opportunity for a highly motivated student to develop skills related to generating a high-resolution DNA methylation map and developing predictive age models to compare methylation-based and traditional otolith-based aging methods.

Location
MS course requirements will be done at APU in Anchorage and laboratory and bioinformatic work will be conducted primarily at the IPHC in Seattle. The selected candidate can choose to be located in Anchorage, Seattle, or Juneau.

Position Benefits
All research, tuition, travel expenses, and a competitive stipend are included. 

Qualifications
Minimum: Ideal candidates will have a BS in Fisheries, Marine Biology, Ecology or related field, strong written and verbal communication skills, experience in one or more scripting languages (e.g. R, Python, etc.), and a desire to work in a highly collaborative manner.

Preferred: Experience in analyzing genomic data is preferred but not required.