A postdoctoral position is available in the Aquaculture Division, Department of Genetics, Stellenbosch University with the focus on Genetic Diversity and Population Structure of farmed kob, Argyrosomus japonicus and Argyrosomus inodorus, and the potential genetic impacts of farmed fish on associated wild fish populations. This project is a collaborative effort with Marine and Coastal Management (Dr Brett Macey) and the University of Pretoria (Prof Paulette Bloomer).

Exciting new industry initiatives are presently underway that are exploring the culture potential of indigenous marine finfish in South Africa. Two such species currently under investigation are the dusky kob Argyrosomus japonicus and silver kob A. inodorus. The proposed cage farming operations along the South African coastline have, however, raised concerns from both the public and conservation management authorities about the potential genetic impacts of farmed fish on wild populations. The current project is therefore aimed at the identification of populations or stocks along the southern African coast followed by the establishment of a broodstock management programme that can assist in the appropriate placement of farms and hatcheries as well as and minimize the potential negative genetic impact of farmed animals on wild fish populations.

The successful candidate will primarily be responsible for:
1) The development of molecular genetic markers that enable the detection of fine-scale patterns of genetic variation in populations with potentially shallow genetic sub-structure.
2) The identification of populations/stocks of A. japonicus and A. inodorus along the southern African coast based on species-specific microsatellites.
3) Assisting with the formulation of recommendations for kob farming along the South African coast.

Minimum requirements:
PhD with specialization in Population and/or Evolutionary Genetics or any closely related discipline. Candidates should have proficiency in the relevant population analysis software packages and experience with microsatellite data will be an added advantage. The ideal candidate should also have proven project management experience and ability to set deadlines and meet milestones.

This position is available for 3 years and commencement of duties is set for January 2011.

Interested researchers are requested to send their CV including details of at least 2 references to Dr. Rouvay Roodt-Wilding at roodt [at] sun.ac.za

Application Deadline 31-Oct-10