BBSRC NLD Doctoral Training Partnership: Developing in vitro models to investigate host-pathogen interactions and polymicrobial synergy in Bovine Digital Dermatitis

Description

The successful candidate will undertake their PhD studies within the Institute of Infection, Veterinary and Ecological Sciences at the University of Liverpool, the top-performing institute in Agriculture and Animal Sciences in Research Excellence Framework 2022. You will be part of the dynamic and supportive Ruminant Research Group which currently includes 10 PhD students and 4 postdoctoral researchers alongside 8 academic staff. As part of the University of Liverpool (UoL), you will have access to academic and career development events run by the Academy, and we will support you to make the most of your PhD studies.

This project is an exciting opportunity to develop the next generation of in vitro models for studying host-pathogen interactions in an important skin disease of cattle Bovine Digital Dermatitis (DD). The team here at UoL is responsible for a substantial amount of knowledge on DD, and is well-regarded internationally. You will gain a wide range of experience in the field of infection biology, including techniques in molecular biology, cell culture, transcriptomics and microscopy, which will be advantageous for a career in infectious disease research. You will also spend time in the Department of Biosciences at Durham University with leading researchers in advanced tissue technologies, responsible for the development of industry-leading commercial cell culture scaffold products.

As part of the wider cohort of BBSRC NLD-DTP students, the successful candidate will have access to a range of training opportunities, and cohort events to develop your network and kickstart your career. You will undertake a Professional Internship for a minimum of 3 months, giving you further opportunity to attain skills in an area of your interest, as well as providing ideas about future employment. 

HOW TO APPLY:

Applications should be made by emailing bbsrcdtp@liverpool.ac.uk with:

• a CV (including contact details of at least two academic (or other relevant) referees);
• a covering letter – clearly stating your first-choice project, and optionally 2nd ranked project, as well as including whatever additional information you feel is pertinent to your application; you may wish to indicate, for example, why you are particularly interested in the selected project(s) and at the selected University;
• copies of your relevant undergraduate degree transcripts and certificates;
• a copy of your passport (photo page).

A GUIDE TO THE FORMAT REQUIRED FOR THE APPLICATION DOCUMENTS IS AVAILABLE AT https://www.nld-dtp.org.uk/how-apply. Applications not meeting these criteria may be rejected.

In addition to the above items, please email a completed copy of the Additional Details Form (as a Word document) to bbsrcdtp@liverpool.ac.uk. A blank copy of this form can be found at: https://www.nld-dtp.org.uk/how-apply.

Informal enquiries may be made to amyg@liv.ac.uk

The deadline for all applications is 12noon on Monday 22nd July 2024.

Part-Time Study Options

All NLD DTP PhDs are available as part time or full time, with part time being a minimum of 50% of full time. Please discuss potential part time arrangements with the primary supervisor before applying to the programme.

Project CASE Status

This project is not a CASE project. While individual applicant quality is our overriding criterion for selection, the NLD DTP has a commitment to fund 8 CASE projects per year - as such, CASE projects may be favoured in shortlisting applicants when candidates are otherwise deemed to be equal or a consensus on student quality cannot be reached.