Prof I Kyriazakis
No more applications being accepted
Funded PhD Project (European/UK Students Only)
About the Project
The project aims to develop sustainable controls for one of the most economic and welfare significant diseases of broiler chickens (infection with coccidia), by addressing the relative contribution of two strategies birds use to cope with infection: either controlling the pathogen (resistance) or limiting its consequences (tolerance). Although there is substantial evidence to support the genetic basis of the first strategy, there is little understanding of the basis and the contribution of tolerance to the outcomes of infection. As broilers are the species most intensively subjected to genetic selection for high output, it is to be expected that selection has affected bird ability to cope with pathogens. It is also possible that the two strategies might act antagonistically when determining the outcome of infection with coccidia. You will join a multidisciplinary team of veterinarians, animal breeders and immunologists from Newcastle University and the Royal Veterinary College. You will directly use the world-class livestock research and laboratory facilities, and work farms at these universities and their collaborators can provide. You will receive training in novel laboratory techniques and statistical methodologies, and be associated with the world leading broiler breeding company (Aviagen) that will provide access to specialist bird genotypes. Your interaction with them will enhance your understanding of scientific led research with impact. Your contribution will be in providing understanding for the control of an important infectious disease of chickens, upon which control strategies may develop.
For further information see the website: http://www.ncl.ac.uk/afrd/
To apply:
Please submit a full CV and covering letter directly to [Email Address Removed]
Funding Notes
This is a 4 year BBSRC iCASE studentship under the Newcastle-Liverpool-Durham DTP. The successful applicant will receive research costs, tuition fees and stipend (£14,057 for 2015-16). The PhD will start in September 2016. Applicants should have, or be expecting to receive, a 2.1 Hons degree (or equivalent) in a relevant subject. EU candidates must have been resident in the UK for 3 years in order to receive full support. There are 2 stages to the application process.
References
LOUGH, G., KYRIAZAKIS, I., BERGMANN, S., LENGELING, A. and DOESCHL-WILSON, A.B. (2015). Health trajectories reveal dynamic contributions of host genetic resistance and tolerance to infection outcome. Proceedings of the Royal Society – Series B (in press).
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