Unravelling unexpected impacts of pharmaceuticals on mollusc development.NERC DLA TREES STUDENTSHIP

This project investigates how drugs designed to treat prostate cancer make snail shells not curly. Molluscs comprise a large and diverse phylum, second only to Arthropoda in the number of species. Pollution from agriculture, industry and households (e.g. via sewage effluents) can pose a significant threat to mollusc populations, for example Tributyl tin boat paints unexpectedly disrupting development and reproduction of molluscs living near harbours causing well-documented local extinctions. Surprisingly, compared to other groups of animals (e.g. vertebrates, arthropods, etc.), much of fundamental molluscan biology is not well characterised, which prevents proper chemical risk assessment to protect these species.

Recent research has shown that although molluscs do not have many of the steroid hormones found in vertebrates, they do share some evolutionary conserved steroidogenic enzymes with vertebrates and even plants (e.g. 5α-reductase (5αR), known as DET2 in plants). In gastropod molluscs, disruption to these enzymes by pharmaceuticals has significant impacts on embryo development, body patterning and growth. This project will use a combination of environmental toxicology and Omics (e.g. metabolomics, lipidomics) approaches to address critical gaps in endocrinology process of molluscs. The outcome could also inform possible mechanistic endpoints and biomarkers for inclusion in chemical regulatory testing guidelines for molluscs to provide better environmental protection.

You will be trained in the experimental design and running of animal ecotoxicology studies, including ethics of animal use in research and aquatic animal husbandry - one-to-one instruction by 1st supervisor and support from our research technician team. Analytical chemistry techniques, data processing and ‘omic workflows – one-to-one instruction by the 2nd Supervisor and support from the research technician team. We are also part of external networks, e.g., the London Metabolomics Network, which supports training for early-career researchers. This could provide additional training and networking opportunities. You will also be provided training in chemical risk assessment and policy - one-to-one instruction by the first supervisor, membership of the Centre for Pollution Research and Policy. 

How to apply

You must hold, or be expected to achieve, a first or high upper second-class undergraduate honours degree or equivalent (for example BA, BSc, MSci) or a Master's degree in a relevant subject (e.g. Biosciences, Analytical Science, Ecotoxicology etc). Prior experience in data analysis/visualisation, machine learning and/or analytical chemistry would be beneficial for this project. Candidates that have a relevant background in maths and/or data analytics that would like to develop biological knowledge, and analytical chemistry skills will also be suitable for this position. For further information on eligibility please refer to the TREES website.