This project will be the basis of a graduate thesis that the student will conduct towards the completion of a MSc degree in Environmental Science at Alaska Pacific University (APU) in Anchorage, AK. The student will be jointly supervised by faculty at APU and scientists at the International Pacific Halibut Commission (IPHC) in Seattle, WA and the Auke Bay Laboratories/Alaska Fisheries Science Center in Juneau, AK, to develop and validate an epigenetic clock and high-throughput genomic methods for age estimation that will inform the Pacific halibut stock assessment. The specific objectives of this project involve: 1) developing an age estimation method based on the generation of a high-resolution DNA methylation map for Pacific halibut tissue (fin clips) by leveraging the high-quality reference genome (Jasonowicz et al., 2022) and extensive transcriptomic data available for Pacific halibut generated by the IPHC; 2) developing predictive age models comparing age determinations by traditional (i.e. otolith annuli reading) and genome-wide DNA methylation-based methods; and, 3) developing error estimation methods and conducting sensitivity analyses. MSc course requirements will be done at APU in Anchorage and laboratory and bioinformatic work will be conducted primarily at the IPHC office in Seattle. 

Ideal candidates will have a BSc in Fisheries, Marine Biology, Ecology or related field and programming experience in one or more modern scripting languages (e.g. R, Python, etc.). Knowledge of using Command Line Interfaces (CLI) such as Linux, Unix and or Bash shell is strongly desired. Experience in analyzing genomic data is preferred but not required. 

To apply, please send 1) a cover letter summarizing research interests and experience, 2) a current CV, 3) a copy of the latest academic transcript, and 4) the names and contact information for relevant professional references to Dr. Nathan Wolf at Alaska Pacific University (nwolf@alaskapacific.edu). Review of candidates will begin immediately, but the position will remain open until a suitable candidate is found. Non-US citizens are eligible. 

Stipend and tuition included in the fellowship.