stillingsbetegnelse:
PhD scholarship in Investigation of the Added Value of using Differential Cell Count in Addition to Existing Parameters Measured in Milk to Diagnose Intramammary Infection

jobbeskrivelse:
Section for epidemiology at the National Veterinary Institute is seeking a candidate to fill a PhD position on studying the association between different parameters measured in milk samples and intramammary infections (IMI = mastitis). Mastitis is considered as the most frequent and costly disease for the dairy sector in the developed world. Moreover, IMI result in animal welfare impairment. The project is focusing on the investigation of the association between somatic cell count (SCC), a fairly new parameter – differential cell count (DCC) – and IMI in dairy cattle herds. While SCC is an indicator for the total amount of cells in milk, DCC indicates the proportion of individual immune cells involved (lymphocytes, macrophages, neutrophils). Therefore adding DCC to the already existing SCC parameter has great potential as an effective tool in monitoring and early detection of mastitis in dairy cattle herds. This will be investigated in a field study that the candidate will plan and conduct. It is intended to collect milk samples from all lactating cows in approximately five dairy cattle herds on a monthly basis for a period of one year. The gathered data will thereafter be analyzed to study the association between SCC, DCC differential cell count and mastitis. Moreover, it is planned to develop new guidelines for mastitis management. The PhD project is part of a larger project (EMCO-Mast) that is cooperation between DTU-VET, FOSS Analytical A/S and SEGES (formerly the Danish Cattle Federation). Thus the candidate will have the chance to cooperate with other colleagues within the project. Responsibilities and tasks The candidate will have the following primary tasks: 1.Plan and conduct a field study including the organization and supervision of collection of milk samples; 2.Supervise and assist in the laboratory analysis of the samples; 3.Statistical analysis of the data; 4.Investigate the association between somatic cell count, differential cell count, and intramammary infections (mastitis). Qualifications The candidate is expected to have: 1.A master degree or an equivalent training in veterinary medicine. 2.Knowledge in statistical analysis using R will be an advantage. 3.Good collaboration skills. 4.The ability to work organized, structured and independently. 5.EU driving license. 6.Fluency in English. Approval and Enrolment The scholarships for the PhD degree are subject to academic approval, and the candidates will be enrolled in one of the general degree programmes of DTU. For information about the general requirements for enrolment and the general planning of the scholarship studies, please see the DTU PhD Guide. Assessment The assessment of the applicants will be made by Professor Nils Toft and Senior researcher Tariq Halasa. We offer We offer an interesting and challenging job in an international environment focusing on education, research, public-sector consultancy and innovation, which contribute to enhancing the economy and improving social welfare. We strive for academic excellence, collegial respect and freedom tempered by responsibility. The Technical University of Denmark (DTU) is a leading technical university in northern Europe and benchmarks with the best universities in the world. Salary and appointment terms The salary and appointment terms are consistent with the current rules for PhD degree students. The period of employment is 3 years. The expected start date of employment is 1 November 2015. The workplace is Bülowsvej 27, DK - 1870 Frederiksberg C. From 1 September 2016, the workplace will be DTU Campus, DK – 2800 Kgs. Lyngby. Further information Further information may be obtained from senior researcher Tariq Halasa on +45 35886102 or on +45 3070 9439, email: tahbh (at) vet.dtu.dk or the section leader Professor Nils Toft +45 3588 6127. You can read more about the National Veterinary Institute on http://www.vet.dtu.dk Please do not send applications to this e-mail address, instead apply online a

Arbejdsgiver Navn: Danmarks Tekniske Universitet

Arbejdsgiver telefonnummer: 45252525

Arbejdsgiver faxnummer: 45881799

Job kort beskrivelse:
Undervisning og forskning på universiteter og højere læreranstalter

land: Danmark

region: Hovedstaden

Kontrakt varighed: Fast

Kontrakttype: Fuldtid

krævede uddannelse: Ikke angivet

Kilde til jobtilbud: AMS, Offentlige arbejdsformidlinger, Danmark