Funded PhD studying chlamydial infections of koala at the Universities
of Tasmania and Sunshine Coast.
Title:
Immune bio-profiles that are protective or not: overcoming Chlamydia
pecorum infection in koalas
Description:
This eco-immunology focussed PhD will develop statistical models to
characterise host immune phenotypes. It will illuminate the complex
direct and indirect immune interactions that underpin host immune
profiles, focussing on the koala-Chlamydia disease system. Critical
topics, with direct application to the conservation of koalas in
Australia, include how immune bio-profiles relate to infection and may
be modified (made protective or capable of overcoming infection) by
vaccination. Scope also exists to examine how chlamydial pathogenesis is
influenced by the host microbiome and co-infection by koala retrovirus.
Students with keen interests in immunology, virology, statistical
modelling and bioinformatics are encouraged to apply for this project.
Evidence of track-record in these fields would be advantageous. Broad
appreciation of diverse approaches to modelling data is necessary. These
may include, but are not limited to, information theory, structural
equation modelling, and community analyses.
Elegibility:
·The scholarship is open to domestic (Australian and New Zealand) and
international candidates. The Research Higher Degree must be undertaken
on a full-time basis. Applicants must already have been awarded a First
Class Honours degree or hold equivalent qualifications or relevant and
substantial research experience in an appropriate sector. Applicants
must be able to demonstrate strong research and analytical skills.
Candidates from a variety of disciplinary backgrounds are encouraged to
apply. Knowledge and skills that will be ranked highly include: applied
statistics, immunology and microbiology.
Funding:
This PhD scholarship is supported by an Australian Research Council
Linkage grant, the University of Tasmania and University of the Sunshine
Coast.
More information:
Please contact Scott Carver at the School of Biological Sciences
([email protected] <mailto:[email protected]>) for more
information or Peter Timms at USC ([email protected]
<mailto:[email protected]>).
Scott Carver | Lecturer, Wildlife Ecology
School of Biological Sciences | University of Tasmania | Private Bag 55
| Hobart | Tasmania 7001 | Australia
Room 236 Life Sciences Building | Ph +61 3 6226 2794 | Fax +61 3 6226 2745
UTAS website
<http://www.utas.edu.au/profiles/staff/live-profiles/scott-carver>|
Google Scholar
<http://scholar.google.com.au/citations?hl=en&user=ilrVlJsAAAAJ&view_op=list_works&gmla=AJsN-F7LPDTtk-fUOtsaw2hZ82YWRqsxOwgGrksEWG_pFBWjp7XMbPeCtRR9mZ2zBC7Inx9_3FMY4dQC85864VSnJNzVhNr-v7VLrd7y-slggzkqK-x06FNW0i7_OTLFFVbIbTaC7F9S>
| ResearcherID <http://www.researcherid.com/rid/J-7654-2014> |
ResearchGate <https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Scott_Carver> |
FELIDAE Project <http://felidae.colostate.edu/>
Research in the news: Fears of wombat wipeout grow
<http://www.themercury.com.au/news/tasmania/wombat-wipeout-fears-grow-after-outbreak-of-sarcoptic-mange/news-story/a45b63fee66de60f2926eae09abd34ac>;
National Science Foundation grant funded
<http://www.nsf.gov/awardsearch/showAward?AWD_ID=1413925>
