Humans migrated out-of-Africa over 60,000 years ago and spread to different parts of the globe. In this process human population was subsampled serially along the routes of the migration. This project will investigate the footprints of migrations manifested in the frequencies and patterns of genetic variations in human populations.
The main research foci of our group include the effects of genetic drift in modulating mutation and selection, quantifying mutational load, investigating the rates and patterns of mutations, estimating divergence times between species and populations and ancient genomics. We work on a number of species including humans and other mammals, birds and oysters.
The current project focuses on a) investigating genetic relationships and gene flow between global human populations. b) estimating the mutational load in humans c) understanding the unique patterns of genetic variations in different human populations. All the above objectives will need to be examined in the context of human migrations out of Africa.
This project involves collecting samples for whole genome sequencing and performing a series of bioinformatic analyses to process raw sequence data. The processed data will need to be analysed using a range of methods in population genomics and evolutionary biology to answer the questions related to objectives mentioned above. The project provides an opportunity to work and acquire knowledge in inter-disciplinary sciences such as molecular biology, genetics, computer science and statistics.
Selection criteria
Additional desirable selection criteria:
Eligible programs
PhD
Value
RTP equivalent stipend for standard duration of the program (3 years). The RTP rate for 2020 is $28,092. If the successful recipient is an International student, tuition fees and Overseas Student Health Cover (single cover) will be included in the scholarship.
Application
To apply:
The University of the Sunshine Coast is committed to environmental sustainability for the benefit of students, staff and the wider community. USC has an active program of sustainability initiatives that address both large-scale issues such as energy, waste, recycling and the campus environment, and targeted activities such as the development and use of green cleaning practices.
USC students receive a high quality educational experience, while enjoying the relaxed lifestyle that the Sunshine Coast offers and students benefit from a friendly and supportive campus environment, access to highly qualified teaching staff, personal attention, and modern technology and facilities. Study choices are wide and degrees are complemented by opportunities to gain practical experience and travel overseas.
The University is registered in the Australian University category in the National Register of Higher Education Providers, meaning USC complies with the Higher Education Standards for Australian universities, made under Australia’s Tertiary Education Quality and Standards Agency Act 2011. The University of the Sunshine Coast will be a university of international standing, a driver of capacity building in the Sunshine Coast and broader region, and an unsurpassed community asset.
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