Improving resistance to disease in molluscs, Biosciences – PhD (Funded) Ref: 3920

Location:
Biosciences, Streatham Campus, Exeter; Centre for Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture Science, Weymouth

The University of Exeter’s College of Life and Environmental Sciences, in partnership with the Centre for Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture Science (Cefas), is inviting applications for a fully-funded PhD studentship to commence in September 2020 or as soon as possible thereafter. For eligible students the studentship will cover UK/EU tuition fees plus an annual tax-free stipend of at least £15,285 for 3.5 years full-time, or pro rata for part-time study. The student would be based in Biosciences in the College of Life and Environmental Sciences at the Streatham Campus in Exeter.

Project Description:
The Pacific oyster, Crassosstrea gigas, is the most commonly cultured oyster species worldwide, with around 9000 tonnes produced per annum in the UK alone. The UK oyster farming encounter significant economic losses every year due infectious diseases which have proven difficult to manage. This is due, at least in part, to a lack of knowledge about oyster immune responses. Recent research has shown that a wide range of organisms lacking conventional adaptive immune responses (cell and antibody based) in fact can adapt upon primary exposure and are capable of implementing an improved immune response upon secondary exposure to a pathogen later in life or in subsequent generations. The aim of this PhD is to understand the mechanisms involved immune priming or “memory” in molluscs. The knowledge derived from this PhD will advise on farming practices and disease management.

The student will receive training in all techniques involved in the project, from maintaining animals in the laboratory to performing disease challenges, molecular biology, high throughput sequencing and bioinformatics. In addition, the student will also be integrated within exciting research environments of both host organisations and benefit from the broad training programmes they offer.

This award provides annual funding to cover UK/EU tuition fees, a tax-free stipend and a research training support grant. For students who pay UK/EU tuition fees the award will cover the tuition fees in full, plus at least £15,285 per year tax-free stipend. Students who pay international tuition fees are eligible to apply, but should note that the award will only provide payment for part of the international tuition fee and no stipend.