It is now well established that a very wide range of chemicals, spanning pesticides, to plasticizers and medicines, that are discharged into the environment can alter the hormone systems of wildlife (and humans) impacting on their health. In wild fish populations exposure to some of these chemicals has been proven to alter sexual development and breeding capability. The potential health risks associated with exposure to so-called endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs) is a major international concern, yet very little is known on the impacts of exposures to their mixtures in the aquatic environment. This studentship will address a major knowledge gap on the physiological impacts and health implications of exposure to selected EDCs, pharmaceuticals and their mixtures in fish. The work will involve working with transgenic fish created to respond to selected types of endocrine disrupting pollutants. The student will get training in a wide variety of modern cellular and molecular techniques, and integrated whole animal physiology and will benefit from working within large, vibrant and interdisciplinary research team.
Scholarship Application Deadline: 27 Feb 2011
