PhD Position: Amphibian Conservation and Targeted Genetic Intervention: Werribee, VIC, Australia

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Agency

University of Melbourne

Location

Werribee, VIC, Australia

Job Category

Fellowships & Scholarships

Salary

PhD scholarship

Start Date

06/01/2023

Last Date to Apply

09/30/2022

Website

https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/g4czkjkmjlieb7rgewdli/Call-for-PhD-Position-in-Amphibian-Conservation-Genomics-and-Synthetic-Biology-2022.docx?dl=0&rlkey=bnneolxahixiu7j2onpdrm71s

Description

Call for PhD students in Amphibian Conservation, Genomics, and Synthetic Biology

Want to help save frogs declining from a pandemic disease?
Interested in studying functional genomics and using the latest methods in synthetic biology?

The One Health Research Group at the University of Melbourne is recruiting PhD students to study the genetic basis of immunity to the disease chytridiomycosis and develop targeted genetic intervention methods to increase disease resistance in declining frogs. Our research includes quantitative genetics, comparative genomics, transcriptomics, and developing synthetic biology approaches in frogs.

The projects are funded through the Australian Research Council, and PhD scholars will be advised by Drs Lee Skerratt, Tiffany Kosch, Lee Berger and members of the One Health Research Group and collaborators including Zoos Victoria. The project will be based at the Melbourne Veterinary School at the Werribee campus.

Emerging infectious diseases are a major threat to ecosystems and new methods are needed to fight them. Chytridiomycosis is the most devastating disease of vertebrates, causing population declines in over 500 amphibian species worldwide. The project is focused on improving disease resilience in ecosystems using genetic approaches, but the specific aims of the PhD research can be determined by the student. The expected outcomes of the project are improved understanding and increased immunity of frogs to chytridiomycosis and restoration of frogs into the environment.

Qualifications

Expertise needed: Applicants must have experience with molecular biological, immunological, or genetics research such as genomics, quantitative genetics, synthetic biology, microbiology, or immunogenetics. Skills or interest in population genetics, functional genetics, conservation genetics, disease ecology, HPC computing, bioinformatics, statistical analyses, and animal husbandry are an advantage.

Scholarship applications are competitive – applicants must have first-class Honours, Master’s by research (1 year full-time) or equivalent and an excellent academic record. Peer reviewed publications are beneficial. Post Graduate Research Scholarships for stipends are available through the University of Melbourne, for which the applicant will need to apply separately by the 31st of October.

Contact Person

Dr. Tiffany Kosch

Contact eMail

tiffany.kosch@unimelb.edu.au

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