Ben J. G. Sutherland, Ph.D.

Research Scientist

As a member of the Molecular Genetics Laboratory, I currently analyze next-generation sequence data for a variety of projects. Mainly my work encompasses bioinformatics aspects of projects involving genetic stock identification, parentage-based tagging, environmental DNA, and transcriptomics.

Fisheries and Oceans Canada

Current research and/or projects

I use genetic tools enabled by bioinformatics and next-generation sequencing technology to study various aspects of conservation molecular ecology. This involves various techniques and approaches including high-throughput genotyping for genetic stock identification and parentage-based tagging, and sequencing analysis to study genome evolution, population genetic parameters, environmental DNA, and transcriptomics.

Research and/or project statements

My current projects include

Development of high-throughput genotyping panels for all five Pacific salmonids and Eulachon
Characterize genetic structure and implement genetic stock identification for the five salmonids and Eulachon to the highest resolution possible within the limits of the ecology and genetics of the species
Develop next-generation sequencing advances and associated bioinformatics for emerging technologies (e.g. in-field, real-time genotyping, environmental DNA metabarcoding)

Professional activities / interests

My main professional activities and interests involve

Conservation of aquatic resources using molecular tools
Conducting and facilitating open science and reproducible research
Considering challenges in the context of whole-ecosystem or whole-genome functions

Education and awards

2019-present Research Scientist at Fisheries and Oceans Canada
2018-2019 Biologist at Fisheries and Oceans Canada
2017-2018 Postdoctoral Researcher at the University of British Columbia and Fisheries and Oceans Canada, British Columbia, BC, Canada
2014-2017 Postdoctoral Researcher at Université Laval, Québec, QC, Canada
2008-2014 Ph.D. Biology, University of Victoria, Victoria BC Canada
2004-2008 B.Sc. Biology (Honours), Thompson Rivers University, Kamloops, BC Canada