The student will be part of an ongoing project using genetic data to investigate levels of diversity and population structure/connectivity of the two species of seals occurring in Irish waters (grey and harbour seals). Further details on the project can be found at https://sealresearchireland.wixsite.com/srpi. Thanks to an established network of collaborators and novel molecular approaches, a large sample set of tissue/DNA has been already acquired using non-invasive and opportunistic sampling techniques (e.g. faecal samples and hair). Subsequently, a range of nuclear (microsatellites) and mitochondrial genetic markers are being used to assess levels of reproductive isolation, population structure, genetic diversity and habitat use of both species. Findings from this project will aid the conservation and management of grey and harbour seals as well as Irish coastal ecosystems.