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Little Fishes, Big Problems: Using Genomics to Inform Conservation and Management of Pygmy Perches

Project Outline

This project aims to generate and apply high-throughput genomic resources (including reference genomes, whole genome resequencing and genotype-by-sequencing data) to inform conservation actions for two freshwater fish species endemics to south-western Australia: The Critically Endangered Nannoperca pygmaea and cryptic species complex N. vittata. By assessing genetic diversity, population
structure, and connectivity, the project will guide the design of captive breeding programs, conservation reintroductions, and water management strategies. This collaborative research program will directly inform conservation actions and water management in the region to support evidence-based conservation and long-term resilience of aquatic biodiversity in the region.

Essential Skills

The preferred applicant should have a relevant tertiary qualification in science, including a postgraduate
(Honours or Masters) degree in genetics, genomics or molecular biology. They should have experience in
molecular laboratory techniques, including DNA extraction, and some experience with handling and
applying genetic or genomic datasets in ecology or evolution. The ideal applicant will also have
experience with bioinformatic pipelines and computational analysis, including skills in one of Unix, bash,
Python or R. The applicant should also have strong written science communication skills and be proficient
in English.

Internship Opportunity:

Yes – bioinformatic components (such as assembly of reference genomes) of the project would be
suitable for a Pawsey Summer Internship Project to support candidate skills development and research
collaboration (https://pawsey.org.au/supercomputing/training/summer-internships/).

Primary Contact
Dr. Sean Buckley
+61 8 6304 3117
s.buckley@ecu.edu.au

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