*PhD opportunity to study undiagnosed mammal declines and disease outbreaks in Australia*
*James Cook University, Townsville, Queensland, Australia* Outbreak Investigations in Australian Wildlife An outbreak investigation approach has been fundamental and essential in determining the cause of many population declines. The cause of enigmatic amphibian declines remained unsolved for 20 years (from 1978-1998, Berger et al 1998 PNAS) until an outbreak investigation approach began in 1996 (Laurance et al 1996 CB). There has been a sudden, rapid and catastrophic decline of brush-tailed bettongs or woylies,* Bettongia pencillata*, in southern Western Australia and widespread declines of small mammals in the Top End of the Northern Territory and Kimberley region of Western Australia in recent years (Wayne et al 2013 Oryx, Woinarski et al 2011 CL). These declines remain undiagnosed and ultimately unresolved resulting in an increased threat of species extinction. The One Health Research Group at JCU have funds to conduct prospective and retrospective outbreak investigations for these declines and other declines that have occurred in Australia including those due to chytridiomycosis and Tasmanian devil facial tumour disease. The project initially involves epidemiological analyses with the potential to expand into other discipline areas depending on research findings. The PhD candidate will be able to pursue their own areas of interest within this framework. The project is multidisciplinary and involves collaborators such as the WA Department of Parks of Wildlife and WWF-Australia. The outcomes of the project are likely to lead to improved conservation of Australian wildlife and advances in the fields of wildlife epidemiology and management. The PhD graduate will achieve competencies that will enable them to fulfil a number of roles such as managing a wildlife health research or wildlife health biosecurity program. The One Health Research Group investigates the causes and control of infectious diseases in wildlife that impact biodiversity, human health and domestic animal health. For more information please see http://www.jcu.edu.au/phtmrs/abc/JCU_107907.html The selected applicant would need to apply for a PhD scholarship (Australian residents and citizens only, due 31 Oct to commence in 2015; International Students, to commence in 2016). Please see http://www.jcu.edu.au/grs/scholarships/index.htm Ideal PhD candidates will have: 1. 1st class honours or equivalent research credentials in a relevant discipline such as veterinary science or zoology majoring in epidemiology or ecology, 2. Knowledge of wildlife diseases, 3. Demonstrated publication record in international scientific journals, and 4. Demonstrated interpersonal and communication skills. Please send CV, cover letter and 2 reference letters by Sept 30th to or for further information please contact [email protected] . Thank you, hope to hear from you soon. Dr. Lee Skerratt One Health Research Group School of Public Health, Tropical Medicine James Cook University Townsville, QLD 4810
