Dr R Anderson
No more applications being accepted
Funded PhD Project (Students Worldwide)
About the Project
Palmerston North, New Zealand
The Role and Opportunity
This is your chance to join our AgResearch Food Nutrition & Health Team and undertake a three year studentship through Massey University and in collaboration with the Waltham Centre for Pet Nutrition (Leicestershire, UK) to deliver novel fundamental insights into the canine host-microbial interactions, helping to shape future pet nutrition research.
Just like in humans, the bacteria that reside in the canine gut are thought to play a critical role in maintaining health. However, what is known about the bacterial species that are beneficial for humans does not necessarily apply to dogs.
The study of specific canine host-microbe interactions is currently limited by the research tools available. Based at our stunning AgResearch Grasslands Campus in Palmerston North, New Zealand, you will first validate the use of a canine intestinal epithelial cell model in a proprietary dual environment cell culture chamber to enable the cells to be cultured in anaerobic conditions which more closely reflect the scenario likely to be experienced in vivo. The model will then be deployed to study the effect of canine bacterial isolates on host intestinal epithelial cell response, including completing barrier function assays and measurement of immunologic and inflammatory response.
What you will be doing
• Meeting regularly with supervisors to discuss experimental plans and results
• Completing laboratory experiments using techniques such as cell and bacterial culture, bioassays, gene and protein expression analysis
• Carrying out statistical analysis using programmes such as Genstat or R
• Writing a PhD thesis and journal articles
Your ideal background
• A relevant Masters or Honours degree (e.g. microbiology, physiology, molecular biology, immunology)
• Excellent written and oral communication skills (IELTS score of 6.5 required if English is not first language)
How to apply
If this sounds like you, apply today on the link below with a covering letter detailing why you feel you would be suitable for this opportunity.
For a confidential discussion contact:
Name: Dr Rachel Anderson
Title: Senior Scientist, Food Nutrition & Health Team, AgResearch
Phone: +64 6 351 8231
Applications close: 30 April 2018.
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