Anatomic pathology residency programme (ECVP) specialising in zoo animals and wildlife.

This is a 3 year full time veterinary anatomic pathology residency programme with training towards the European College of Veterinary Pathology (ECVP) board specialisation. This residency is biased towards zoo animal and wildlife (60%) case material but will feature a significant domestic species component as well (40%). There is also a part time 2 year MPhil research component which will occur concurrently based on cowpox viral pathogenesis.

a. Aims and objectives of the project
Hypothesis: Cowpox virus appears to be a generalised multisystemic pathogen in abnormal hosts but is suggested to be primarily enteric in its reservoir hosts. Is this a valid assessment? Chester Zoo has lost several high profile animals in its collection to cowpox over the last 10 years. Cowpox viral lesions are grossly and histologically present in naïve host species such as cheetahs (Acinonyx jubatus) and giant anteaters (Myrmecophaga tridactyla) but subtle in the reservoir host species, wood mice (Apodemus sylvaticus) and bank voles (Myodes glareolus).

Aim: The project will aim to record and identify the distribution of cowpox virus lesions in infected exotic and native mammal tissues by histomorphology, immunohistochemistry (IHC) and electron microscopy (EM).

Objectives: To optimise and use IHC and EM to identify the tissue distribution of cowpox virus in various species and expand upon knowledge of its pathogenesis.

Using our historic tissue archive and blocks as well as current cases if they develop, the project will aim to compare and contrast the distribution of orthopoxvirus antigen (and possibly epidermal growth factor) within the lesions in these species by immunohistochemistry (IHC) and electron microscopy (EM) and publish the records. Reservoir host species, wood mice and bank voles will be obtained from the peak autumn season for examination. If successful, further archived tissue from a wider range of species (eg primates) may be available from other specialist zoo pathologists.

Eligibility criteria

The candidate must:

a. hold a veterinary degree recognised by the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons.
b. one year postgraduate practice experience as a veterinarian in a field relevant to veterinary pathology as stipulated by the European College of Veterinary Pathologists (ECVP).
c. be suitable to undertake, and committed to undertaking, all aspects of the Clinical Scholarship training programme.
d. wish to pursue a career in veterinary pathology, with particular reference to exotic animals, wildlife or zoological collections, at the end of their Scholarship.
e. have ambition to pass the ECVP certifying examination.
f. have the ability to work in a team.

Desirable criteria
a. Experience in teaching veterinary undergraduates
b. Experience in veterinary pathology
c. Specific awareness of aspects of veterinary pathology
d. Experience in laboratory-based research and publishing novel peer-reviewed manuscripts
e. Track record of publications in international peer-reviewed scientific journals.

References

a. Two references

You are required to have passed the UoL language requirements. https://www.liverpool.ac.uk/study/international/apply/english-language/postgraduate-entry/

You can apply by sending a statement of intent (cover letter), contact details for two references and CV to [Email Address Removed]. References will be contacted when a shortlist to interview is drawn up. Please state if you do not want your references to be contacted at this stage.