Las becas (contratos) predoctorales que ofrecemos

Entre los 15 contratos que ofrece IMPRESS, desde la UPV ofertamos dos:

PhD topic: Development of innovative methods for induction of male maturation and determination of sperm quality biomarkers in European eel

Supervisor and contact person: Professor Juan F. Asturiano (Email: jfastu@dca.upv.es)

Co-supervisors: Dr. Sylvie Dufour (MNHN)/Dr. Finn-Arne Weltzien (NMBU)

Project Description

The main objectives of this PhD project are: to develop innovative methods for European eel sperm production, by using thermal regimes, salinity pre-conditioning and recombinant hormones as alternative methods to reduce the costs (time, fish handling-stress, hormones, environmental impact, number of required fish) of the standard hormonal treatments currently used. Also, to determine the effect of these alternative methods on the expression of testicular candidate biomarker genes for sperm quality (e.g. PLC-Z or aquaporins).

Collaborating Partners

During the 3-year project period the student will spend up to 8 months at other partner institutes. This mobility will enhance multidisciplinary training of the student, and give him/her important experience of both academic and non-academic sectors. For PhD position 5, the student will spend periods at the Norwegian University of Life Sciences (NMBU, Oslo) for a training in basic molecular biology and identification of genetic biomarkers of sperm quality; at the company PROiSER R&D (Paterna, Valencia) for a training in sperm quality assessment; at the company ZF-SCREENS (Leiden) for a collaboration on the effect of recombinant hormones (to avoid standard hormonal treatments); and at the Muséum National d’Histoire Naturelle (MNHN, Paris) for a training in qPCR analyses and gene phylogeny.

Main methods:

a) Fish treatments and sampling; b) Microscopy (computer-assisted sperm analysis); c) Flow cytometry; d) Gene expression analysis

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PhD topic: Improvement of techniques for sperm quality evaluation and cryobanking in European eel

Supervisor and contact person: Professor Juan F. Asturiano (Email: jfastu@dca.upv.es)

Co-supervisors: Dr. Martin Psenicka (USB), Dr. Carles Soler (PROiSER R&D)

Project Description

The main objectives of this PhD project are: i) to improve short and long-term preservation protocols for sperm handling and eel (fish) genome cryobanking, with standardization of protocols as final target; ii) to explore the applicability of spermatogonia freezing and Primordial Germ Cell (PGCs) transplantation techniques in the European eel; iii) to collaborate in the improvement of tools for sperm quality evaluation (specific CASA software development; design and application of a cooling plate for microscopes and a counting chamber).

Collaborating Partners

During the 3-year project period the student will spend up to 8 months at other partner institutes. This mobility will enhance multidisciplinary training of the student, and give him/her important experience of both academic and non-academic sectors. For PhD position 6, the student will spend periods at the University of South Bohemia for a basic training on Primordial Germ Cell (PGCs) transplantation techniques, manipulation of fish eggs and PGCs labelling; at the company PROiSER R&D (Paterna, Valencia) for a collaboration in the design of a prototype with two components: a microscope cooling plate and a counting chamber, as well as a collaboration in the evaluation of the effect of temperature on sperm motility; and at the Muséum National d’Histoire Naturelle (MNHN, Paris) for a training for in situ hybridization, and immunocytochemistry.

Main methods:

a) Fish treatments and sampling; b) Microscopy (computer-assisted sperm analysis); c) Flow cytometry; d) Gene expression; e) Cell cryopreservation

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Qualifications

In addition to meeting the general qualifications, the ideal candidate will have a strong biological background, ideally a degree or Master in aquaculture, fish biology or behaviour, and have a strong interest on the conservation and management of fishes. Previous experience with fish handling and/or laboratory work will be welcome. 

According to EU regulations candidate students cannot have resided for more than 12 months during the previous 3 years in the prospective host country. Further information about the project can be obtained by contacting the assigned supervisor, and also by visiting the IMPRESS website (www.impress-itn.eu).

Application deadline:    April 1, 2015

Starting date:    June 1, 2015