PhD fellow in Nutritional Immunology and Parasitology

A PhD position is available in Nutritional Immunology and Parasitology in the Department of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Denmark, to start 1 May 2018 or as soon as possible thereafter. Candidates should have a relevant degree in biology, immunology, animal or veterinary science or a related field. An interest in working with both vitro cell models and with experimental animals is essential. We offer a friendly and open working environment at our campus in central Copenhagen.
Project description
The effect of diet on immune function and gut health is of increasing relevance due to rising antimicrobial resistance in livestock production as well as increasing prevalence of chronic inflammation and diet-related disorders in humans. We have found that certain dietary components may reduce inflammation and modulate immune function during infection with gastrointestinal parasites (for more information see http://isim.ku.dk/staff/vip/?pure=en/persons/430773). Here, we will purify bioactive plant compounds and test their activity in in vitro cell culture models of inflammation, and in mouse and pig models of gastrointestinal infection with parasitic worms.
Aim
The PhD fellow will 1) isolate selected dietary components and assess their bioactivity activity using in vitro cell-culture-based assays, transcriptomics and functional cell biology experiments.

2) Carry out an in vivo studies in mice and/or pigs to assess how bioactive dietary supplements modulate mucosal immune function during colonization with parasitic worms (helminths).
Project organization
This 3-year PhD study is part of a 4-year project (2018-22) funded by The Independent Research Fund Denmark (IRFD), including the University of Copenhagen, the University of Turku, Finland (UTU), and the University of Wisconsin-Madison, USA. The PhD fellow will be formally enrolled in the PhD programme at the Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences. He/she will be a member of the Veterinary Parasitology Research Group at IVH (http://ivh.ku.dk).
Job description
The PhD fellow will be expected, in collaboration with postdoctoral and senior researchers, to plan and conduct experiments to test immune-modulating activity of a number of bioactive compounds using in vitro cell-based models, and conduct mechanistic experiments to determine how cellular responses are modified using RNA-seq and functional assays. Subsequently, studies will be carried out in mice and pigs (with and without worm infections) to test these immune-modulating effects in vivo. The work will be a close collaboration between IVH and UTU, and the PhD fellow will be required to spend a period of time (around 3 months) at the beginning of the project at UTU, with some shorter additional visits also possible. Accommodation will be arranged and all costs will be paid by the project. Other visits to collaborators (e.g. for meetings) as well as travel to international conferences, will be required. Full training will be available. The PhD fellow will also contribute to teaching in the section.
Further Information
To discuss the position please contact Associate Professor Andrew R Williams by phone (+45-3533 2797 or -31383122) or email ([Email Address Removed]).
Applications
To view the selection criteria and apply online please visit
http://employment.ku.dk/phd/?show=146547