Fasciola hepatica infection leads to human and animal fasciolosis causing substantial clinical and subclinical symptoms. We have used eDNA to map fluke infection risk areas detecting DNA from F. hepatica or the snail host Galba truncatula in the environment. However, fluke eDNA is not specific to infective stages. Thus, we plan future assays to utilise our expertise in proteomics and miRNA sequencing to target novel environmental biomarkers (Proteins and/or miRNA) which would allow us to identify the presence of infective fluke life stages.
This project is aimed at tackling the detection of zoonotic infections in the environment. Using the OneZoo exemplar, we aim to improve field diagnostics to highlight risk areas for F. hepatica. Current efforts for field detection cannot detect infective stages. Thus, this advancement will allow a greater understanding and implementation of management strategies for controlling zoonotic fluke.
The student will be trained in cross-disciplinary research methodologies to address the challenges identified by the OneZoo CDT. Specific skills the student will develop will include: Biosciences - leading omics methodologies and computational analysis tools; Zoonoses – Molecular and classical parasitology; Environmental ecology – Field sampling and molecular ecology approaches; Science communication - communicating project objectives to stakeholders.
Specifically, the student will become proficient in 1) Parasitology: Life cycle maintenance (fluke and snail samples). 2) Proteomics: Sample preparation and mass spectrometry analysis. Data analysis and visualisation. 3) miRNA: NGS sequencing. Preparation of miRNA samples. Training in QC, annotation and analysis of RNA-Seq datasets. 4) eDNA: Sampling techniques of fluke environments. Skills identifying fluke/snail host using eDNA and ddPCR.
This project benefits from the involvement of two industry stakeholders namely Ridgeway Research Ltd. and the Wales Veterinary Science Centre. Ridgeway Research Ltd. will facilitate the F. hepatica lifecycle which will provide water samples derived from specific F. hepatica life-stages (eggs, miracidia, cercariae and metacercariae) and infected and noninfected G. truncatula snails. The student will spend an anticipated 3 months at Ridgeway Research Ltd. and this may be cumulative from several shorter visits or it may be in one visit. This will allow the student to really develop key skills in lifecycle maintenance and development.
The Wales Veterinary Science Centre (WVSC) will provide assistance with identifying and targeting key farms for environmental fluke monitoring and sampling. In addition, the WVSC will support data dissemination and knowledge exchange through the WVSCs structure, bulletins and CPD events targeting both farmers and vets. Given the WVSC is based in Aberystwyth it is envisaged the student will be able to link with the WVSC on a regular basis and thus no formal placement will be required.
Studentship Information
The studentship will commence in October 2023 and will cover tuition fees (for both UK and international applicants) as well as providing a maintenance grant. In 2023 the maintenance grant for full-time students was a minimum stipend of £17,668 per annum. As well as tuition fees and a maintenance grant, all students receive access to OneZoo training and additional courses offered by Aberystwyth University’s Graduate School.
A very high standard of applications is typically received, the successful applicant is likely to have a very good first degree (a First or Upper Second class BSc Honours or equivalent) and/or be distinguished by having relevant research experience.
How to apply:
You can apply online - consideration is automatic on applying for a PhD with an October 2024 start date.
Please use our online application service at:
How to apply : Study With Us , Aberystwyth University and choose Aberystwyth University - Biological Sciences C1250 PhD
Please specify in the funding section that you wish to be considered for UKRI OneZoo funding.
Please specify that you are applying for this particular project and name the supervisor.
Information on the application process can be found here How to apply : Study With Us , Aberystwyth University
If not successful in being shortlisted for this particular studentship you could be considered for other studentships within the OneZoo program, please see the full list here: OneZoo
Application deadline:
1st May 2023 with interviews (either in person or online) being held on or around end of May and decisions being made by June 2023 for a 1st Oct 2023 start.
General Information
Our transdisciplinary OneZoo CDT will equip the next generation of world-leading scientists with the skills and insight necessary to tackle current and future zoonotic threats. To design successful, innovative environmental prevention and control strategies, zoonotic drivers need to be understood through an integrated approach. As part of the OneZoo program you will build an in-depth understanding of the connectivity between key drivers of pathogen host shifts, spillover and onward transmission; exploring pathogen, environmental and human societal processes that can promote zoonotic disease and form the basis of integrated solutions. Our award-winning educators and experts in zoonotic diseases and environmental sciences, from Cardiff University, Aberystwyth University, Queen’s University Belfast, and the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, will work collectively, fostering creation of the OneZoo research community, and empowering students to develop their own training to acquire strong employability skills. This CDT offers an unprecedented level of diversity and transdisciplinarity.
Aberystwyth University:
The Department of Life Sciences is an internationally-recognised research and teaching centre providing a unique base for research in response to global challenges such as food security, bioenergy and sustainability, and the impacts of climate change. Our experts conduct research on genes and molecules, whole organisms and the environment.
Work within our research groups is focused on a number of interrelating areas: Integrated Animal and Human Health, Climate Change Adaptation and Mitigation, Sustainable Agriculture and Healthy Food, Exploring and Conserving Biodiversity.
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