How exposure to synthetic estrogen and common pharmaceuticals affects activation of hormone receptors and biotransformation processes in brown trout. The goal for this project is to study how pharmaceutically active compounds (PACs), which today are readily detected in various natural environments, impact biological processes in brown trout (Salmo trutta). We want to investigate if exposure to synthetic (human) estrogen activates fishes? hormone receptor genes and biotransformation genes. We also want to know if/how the activation changes if we simultaneously expose them to another PAC. Questions include: is activation by estrogen different when in the presence of common pain relievers, anti-inflammatory drugs or anti-depressants (diclofenac, ibuprofen and paracetamol, diazepam)? Identification and screening of genetic polymorphisms that mediate specific responses to synthetic pharmaceuticals and estrogens will be used to identify high- and low risk genotypes in studied individuals.

The project is an important addition to our research group where we currently are investigating sensitivity to environmental pollutant exposure in different salmonid species and how hormone receptors and biotransformation processes are affected. The project will keep an environmental perspective on the research questions asked. Results will lead to important predictions for how pharmaceutical products both separately and in combinations impact biological processes; improved directions for sewage treatment plants; and policies for different alternatives, consequences and risks from the release of pharmaceuticals into natural environments with emphasis on disruption of hormone signalling.

Eligibility/Entry Requirements

Applicants should have a master’s degree or equivalent in biology, environmental sciences, genetics/molecular biology, biochemistry or similar areas. We look for a student who is interested in and motivated for work with the above aspects of interactions with pharmaceuticals and genetic systems in salmonid fish from the perspective of environmental science. The research work requires ability to work independently in a laboratory; to setup experiments and expose fish to chemicals; to take initiatives and work in an interdisciplinary way. Experience and willingness to perform laboratory analyses, exposure experiments and collect tissues from fish after experiments are completed is important. Interest in both practical and theoretical aspects will be of merit. Very good knowledge of written and spoken English is required.

Basis of Assessment

A postgraduate scholarship is awarded for the first 18 months of full-time study, following which time the student is appointed as a full doctoral student. Regulations concerning postgraduate scholarship for doctoral students can be found in SFS 1995:938 and 1998:81. Regulations concerning appointment as a full doctoral student can be found in HF 5 Chap 1-7§§ and SFS 1998:80.

Those who hold a postgraduate scholarship or a doctoral student appointment must first be accepted for postgraduate studies. The candidates will be selected from among the qualified applicants based on their ability to carry out postgraduate studies.

In addition to pursuing postgraduate studies, the doctoral student may also perform other duties – including research, teaching and administration ? according to the specific regulations.

Type of employment: Limit of tenure, 4 years
Extent: 100 %
Location: Center for Environmental and Climate Research, Environmental Science, Lund
First day of employment: 2010-11-01
Official Records Number: NPA 2010/179

For further information please contact:
Maria Hansson, Dr
+46 46 222 46 28
Maria.Hansson@ekol.lu.se

Last Day of Applying; 2010-10-05

Application Deadline : 5 October 2010

Source:
http://www.lu.se/o.o.i.s?id=22601&Dnr=350714&Type=EU

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