Defining the genetic diversity of free living and intra-molluscan stages of Fasciola hepatica (Liverpool, iCASE award)

Fasciola hepatica, the common liver fluke is a major cause of disease and production losses in sheep and cattle in the UK and changes in farming practices and climate are leading to increasing prevalence across the UK. Its control is based primarily on repeated use of anthelmintics, particularly the drug, triclabendazole because of its effects against both immature and adults stages of the parasite and as a result resistance is emerging and spreading. The aim of this project is to understand better the biology and genetic diversity of the stages of the parasite found in the environment and in particular to determine how genes, such as resistance genes may flow through fluke populations. The project will be conducted in collaboration with the Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board Beef and Lamb, a levy board funded by the farming industry. In addition to developing high level genomic and bioinformatics skills, you will work directly with farmers and producers, to tackle control of this important disease. This project would be ideal for a qualified veterinary surgeon, or biology graduate with an interest in veterinary science, who wishes to develop skills in advanced next generation sequencing methodologies.

For further information see the website: https://www.liverpool.ac.uk/infection-and-global-health/

To apply:
Please submit a full CV and covering letter directly to [Email Address Removed]