Internship 2026-2027 Master

 Title of the internship: Investigation on deleterious genomic variation in Asian elephants

Supervisor(s): Elisa Somenzi & Nikolaos Smit

Institute: University of Turku (Finland) - Biology department

Summary: This project will investigate putatively deleterious genomic variation in Myanmar Timber elephants using existing whole-genome sequencing data. By combining functional variant annotation, measures of genetic diversity, and analyses of genomic inbreeding, the study will characterise individual genetic burden and explore how potentially harmful variation relates to patterns of homozygosity.

The project will provide hands-on training in bioinformatics, population genomics, and conservation genetics, covering whole-genome data processing, variant annotation, statistical analysis, and genomic visualization. Students will gain practical experience with command-line tools and R, while developing skills to interpret genomic variation in the context of elephant conservation and genetic management.

Other information (if applicable):

Contact (name and email): Elisa – elisa.somenzi@utu.fi Nikos - nikolaos.smit@utu.fi 

Insertion within an ongoing research project: no 

Publications in the field of research (up to 3): 

-    Divergence and serial colonization shape genetic variation and define conservation units in Asian elephants (https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cub.2024.08.062)
-    Massive Genetic Diversity Loss Within Asian Elephant Subspecies: New Insights for Determining Conservation Priorities (https://doi.org/10.1093/gbe/evag183)
-    Genetic load and viability of a future restored northern white rhino population (https://doi.org/10.1111/eva.13683)