PhD Studentship: Abertay University, through its R-LINCS scheme, offers a fully funded PhD studentship. This encompasses an RCUK-equivalent stipend, registration fees and support equipment and travel funds. The project involves processing and analysis of samples from seals to determine their antimicrobial resistance gene (AMRG) content. Tracking data from the same animals will then be used to generate a spatial model to help understand potential AMRG reservoirs and routes of dissemination in these marine mammals. The prospective student will benefit from supervision under academic staff from the Division of Science within the School of Science, Engineering and Technology, who have expertise in molecular biology, microbiology and seal physiology, and from the Sea Mammal Research Unit (SMRU) at the University of St Andrews, who have expertise in seal tracking and spatial ecology. The project offers an opportunity to develop a wide range of knowledge and skills, ranging from molecular microbiology through to spatial ecology, using our dedicated molecular microbiology labs and equipment. Although based at Abertay University (Dundee), the student will have the opportunity to engage in environmental sample collection and data analysis with Dr. Debbie Russell and colleagues at the SMRU at the University of St Andrews.
Abertay University is one of six universities across the UK, and the only one in Scotland, to receive a nomination for "University of the Year" in 2016 Time Higher Education (THE) Awards. According to the results of the Research Excellence Framework 2014 (REF2014) published on 18 December 2014, Abertay was part of the leading group of modern universities ranked highest in the UK for 'research intensity'. The School of Science, Engineering and Technology at Abertay University is equipped with modern laboratories and staff with exceptional skills, knowledge, and experience related to this project including molecular biology and microbiology including ACDP category 2 facilities.
Project Aims: This project will use molecular biology techniques to characterise the total seal gut resistome and develop a screening method for medium through-put for comparative analysis between invividual animals and groups. It will overlay seal tracking (telemetry) data with AMRG profiles to produce a predictive map of AMRG spread by seals in UK waters that can be used to model transmission risk and as a basis for monitoring mitigation strategies.
Research Outline: This project will combine the use of molecular microbiology laboratory work with spatial analysis of telemetry and location data to characterise the antimicrobial resistome from seals and produce a predictive map of AMRG spread by UK seals. The successful candidate will optimise and use a transferrable AMRG screen for clinically important antimicrobials using molecular biology techniques. Sample collection and processing from a number of age classes and sub populations and species over different seasons will be used to characterise gut resistomes. The data will be used for comparative analysis, and incorporate telemetry data to model the role of these animals in the dissemination and as resevoirs for AMRGs.
This PhD studentship provides a package valued at around GBP 75,000. This includes a fully funded tax free stipend of GBP 14,777 per year over 3 and a half years, tuition fees as well as a travel and equipment budget.
The Abertay Graduate School
Abertay's PhD students are located in the Abertay Graduate School (http://www.abertay.ac.uk/discover/academic-schools/graduate-school/) and have access to our dedicated study and social spaces - a forum in which you can meet, work and learn with other researchers and postgraduates from across the University. We provide training and professional development opportunities to our postgraduate community, and offer help with funding applications, placement opportunities, teaching support, public engagement and outreach activity.
You will be expected to undertake limited teaching duties of no more than 70 hours a year. We provide training on this activity and it is a valuable part of career development.
Informal enquiries should be directed to Dr. Scott Cameron (s.cameron@abertay.ac.uk).
Entry requirements
Essential requirements:
Desirable requirements (but not essential)
First class or upper second-class honours degree in a relevant discipline*
Masters of science level qualification in a relevant discipline*
Excellent Laboratory skills
Familiar with molecular biological techniques (such as DNA extraction, PCR, DNA sequencing and analysis)
Experience in the use of molecular biological techniques (such as DNA extraction, PCR, DNA sequencing and analysis)
Familiar with microbiological techniques (such as aseptic technique; bacterial culture)
Experience in the use of microbiological techniques (such as aseptic technique; bacterial culture)
Applicants who are non-native speakers of English, the University requires IELTS of 6.5 (with no band less than 6.5) or an equivalent qualification accepted by the Home Office
Good numerical and statistics skills and familiarity with Microsoft Office or similar.
Familiarity with common statistical packages such as SpSS and R. In addition, some experience of working with spatial analysis tools such as ARC-GIS or in handling telemetry data would be an advantage
Good scientific writing and interpersonal communication skills
Involvement in the preparation of articles for publication in scientific journal(s)
*Relevant discipline: biological science with experience in molecular biology and microbiology, or related field
The Studentships are available for a October 2018 or February 2019 start, for a period of up to 3.5 years.
Applicants should submit through the Abertay University jobs page https://www.abertay.ac.uk/about/working-at-abertay/jobs/, submitting a personal statement of application detailing why you are interested in undertaking this project, and a CV.
If you are selected for interview you will be required to complete an online Research Student Application Form which includes the submission of a research proposal. Guidance on how to write the proposal can be found here: https://www.abertay.ac.uk/study-apply/how-to-apply/postgraduate-research/ , Applicants are also encouraged to contact Dr. Scott Cameron (s.cameron@abertay.ac.uk) for advice on developing a proposal prior to submitting it.
The closing date for submissions is midnight (GMT) on Monday 23 July 2018. Submissions after this date will not be considered. Interviews are likely to be held during the week 20 - 24 August 2018.