Research Fellow, University of Southampton, UK
Pibitller
Research Fellow
University of Southampton - Marine Biology & Ecology - National Oceanography Centre Southampton
Location: Southampton
Salary: £29,301
Hours: Full Time
Contract Type: Contract / Temporary
Placed on: 19th January 2017
Closes: 20th February 2017
Job Ref: 828617HN
<https://jobs.soton.ac.uk/Vacancy.aspx?ref=828617HN>
Poverty alleviation through prevention and future control of the two major socioeconomically-important diseases in Asian aquaculture (https://preventcontrol.org/).
Infectious disease outbreaks represent a key limitation to the necessary sustainable expansion of the aquaculture industry to meet the challenges of Global Food Security and poverty alleviation. For example, globally, losses to White Spot Syndrome Virus (WSSV), the causative agent of white spot disease (WSD) in decapod crustaceans, have been estimated to cost between $8 - 15 bn.
Our tri-national collaborative project, funded under the Newton Fund Global Research Partnership in Aquaculture, aims to alleviate poverty within poor farming communities in Bangladesh and India by developing a holistic understanding of the role of the environment in controlling disease risk in fish and crustacean aquaculture. We will quantify the role of physical pond conditions in controlling infection outcomes for two socioeconomically devastating pathogens of decapod crustaceans and freshwater fish in Asian aquaculture. Using this knowledge we will address two principle aims:
a) we will identify novel and sustainable best practice for crop husbandry to prevent or minimize the risk of disease outbreaks in shrimp and fish farming by developing healthy and resilient aquaculture systems;
b) use state of the art molecular methods to develop fundamental detailed biological understanding of host-pathogen interactions. This detailed new mechanistic insight will create a knowledge base and platform from which to develop future novel disease control measures.
We are seeking a highly motivated and self-sufficient research scientist with skills in molecular biology and bioinformatics to contribute to research aim B. You will have a PhD* (or equivalent professional qualifications and experience) in Biological Science, and a detailed understanding and knowledge of bioinformatic approaches including de novo transcriptome assembly and analysis. Knowledge of Invertebrate immunology would be advantageous.
*Applications for Research Fellow positions will be considered from candidates who are working towards or nearing completion of a relevant PhD qualification. The title of Research Fellow will be applied upon successful completion of the PhD. Prior to the qualification being awarded the title of Senior Research Assistant will be given.
You will be based in Ocean and Earth Science at the University of Southampton, UK but with opportunities to work in India and Bangladesh, as required for the project. You will support transcriptomic analyses of host-pathogen interactions in response to a single model infection and will assist with quantifying changes in key gene transcription, immune phenotype, and infection outcome in response to environmental change.
A key goal for this project is to create a resource of new data by employing bioinformatic approaches and molecular biology experiments to understand host-pathogen interactions. This will act as a scientific platform for the development of novel future control measures (e.g. breeding for resistance, oral vaccines for fin fish, or other interventions) that are poverty-focused, context-specific, and sustainable.
Fixed-term end date: 28th February 2019.
Application Procedure:
You should submit your completed online application form at www.jobs.soton.ac.uk. The vacancy will close at midnight on the closing date as shown above. If you need any assistance, please contact Anastasia Shikhareva on +44 (0) 23 8059 9002. Please quote vacancy reference number 828617HN on all correspondence.
Further details:
We aim to be an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications from all sections of the community. Please note that applications from agencies will not be accepted unless indicated in the job advert. <https://jobs.soton.ac.uk/Vacancy.aspx?ref=828617HN>
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