POSTGRADUATE RESEARCH OPPORTUNITY - Deadline 30th November 2011
Applications are invited from graduates in Biology, Science, Zoology, Animal Science, Agricultural Science or Veterinary Medicine to undertake research in “Development of predictive models for the management and control of livestock helminth parasites”
Objectives:
This EU funded project is a collaborative venture between interested scientists across Europe focussed on the development of innovative and sustainable strategies to mitigate the impact of global changes on helminth infections in ruminants.
Infections with helminth parasites represent a significant economic and welfare burden to the ruminant livestock industry. Recent changes in the epidemiology, seasonality and geographic distribution of helminth infections have been attributed to climate change. However, other changes in environment (e.g. land use) and in livestock farming, such as intensification and altered management practices, will also have an impact. Sustainable control of helminth infections in a changing world requires detailed knowledge of these interactions. The overall aim of the project will be to devise new, sustainable strategies for the effective control of ruminant helminthoses in the face of global change. It will endeavor to map, monitor and predict the impact of global change on parasite epidemiology, leading to spatial risk maps and improved forecasting of disease and to produce predictive models to identify optimal future intervention strategies.
The PhD will focus on the development and validation of temporal models of parasite transmission (with specific reference to liver fluke – Fasciola hepatica) to predict the seasonality and pressure of infection in grazing ruminants that would support parasite control strategies.
Funding:
EU FP7 funded project. The appointed candidate will be required to register for a Higher Degree at UCD and will receive a scholarship of €21,000 per annum from which post-graduate registration fees will be deducted. Applications are limited to EU citizens. Start date January 2012.
Qualifications:
Applicant should have a degree in biological sciences. Practical experience in geographic information systems (GIS), remote sensing methodologies and geospatial modelling would be a distinct advantage.
How to apply:
Interested applicants should submit; (i) curriculum vitae, detailing qualifications and experience, (ii) a covering letter of application outlining your suitability and interest in the research area and stating why you wish to pursue this project, and (iii) the names and addresses of two professional referees to Dr Theo de Waal (theo.dewaal@ucd.ie)
Deadline: Closing date November 30th, 2011.
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