Understanding plasticity and the ecological relevance of behavioural responses in fish to neuroactive pharmaceutical

Wildlife are exposed to a wide range of human pharmaceuticals at low (part per billion or trillion) concentrations, which in the case of neuroactive pharmaceuticals have been shown to induce changes in behavioural phenotypes in fish and invertebrates. These findings are generally based on short-term laboratory studies that focus on detecting a behavioural response and it is unclear if responses are transient, permanent or impactful on growth, reproduction or survival. This studentship will aim to characterise and link neurological responses to changes in behavioural phenotypes and phenotypic plasticity in zebrafish driven by key pharmaceuticals. Partial and full life-cycle exposure studies will be used to evaluate the molecular mechanisms, behavioural effects and fitness impacts of different pharmaceutical exposures, at different life stages, on different genetic strains.

The student will join a large and vibrant research team at Exeter and will work as part of a wider European project focussed on understanding the effects of pharmaceuticals in the environment. The student will also have access to exceptional facilities and expertise at Exeter, and will receive training in animal behaviour, molecular biology, imaging, bioinformatics and toxicology. The student will also benefit from working with industry experts from AstraZeneca, thus greatly enhancing their long term career prospects.