stillingsbetegnelse:
PhD scholarship: The importance of the immunological competence of the mink bitch during the perinatal and suckling period for the development of 'wet kit syndrome'

jobbeskrivelse:
DTU Veterinary Institute (DTU Vet) is seeking a PhD student for a 3-year project on the syndrome known as the ‘wet kit syndrome’ which constitutes a major problem in the mink production, as it compromises the welfare of the kittens, increases mortality and decreases weight gain, and, importantly commands the use of substantial amounts of antibiotics. With the hypothesis that the immunocompetence of the dam has a major impact on the susceptibility of the kittens to this disease, the project will uncover immunological correlates of the dam as well as of the kittens with disease and will use the gained knowledge to develop methods for combating the disease. The overriding aim is thus to achieve a deeper understanding of the pathogenesis of the syndrome and to use this to develop and document treatment and preventive methods that will be practically applicable for controlling the disease in the mink production. The project is a collaboration between DTU Vet and Kopenhagen Fur. Responsibilities and tasks The PhD student will be responsible for planning and performing sampling in selected mink farms and carrying out analytical studies based on these samples, including, independently, and in collaboration with relevant expertise at DTU Vet and Kopenhagen Fur, bacterial and virological characterization, immunological analyses, immunoglobulin preparation and planning and performing on-farm intervention studies. Samples will include blood samples (dams and kittens), colostrum and milk, apocrine gland secretions as well as faeces. Analyses will focus on immunoglobulin characterization (ELISA and immunohistochemistry), NGS-based characterization (bacteria and viruses) of faecal microbiota, and transcriptional analysis of relevant tissue samples. Intervention will include administration of immunoglobulins to the kits. Collaboration with concurrent PhD-project (‘Diarrhea during suckling period – optimizing prevention and treatment’) at University of Copenhagen, and three scientific papers are expected as a possible result of the project. Qualifications Candidates should have a master's degree in engineering or a similar degree with an academic level equivalent to the master's degree in engineering. 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 Peter Heegaard (DTU Vet, Section for Immunology and Vaccinology) and Tina Struve (Veterinary, Kopenhagen Fur). 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. Further information Further information may be obtained from Peter Heegaard, pmhh (at) vet.dtu.dk Please do not send applications to this e-mail address, instead apply online as described below. Application Please submit your online application no later than 30 March 2015. Applications must be submitted as one pdf file containing all materials to be given consideration. To apply, please open the link "Apply online," fill in the online application form, and attach all your materials in English in one pdf file. The file must include: •A letter motivating the application (cover letter) •Curriculum vitae •Grade

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

krævede uddannelse: Ikke angivet

Kilde til jobtilbud: AMS, Offentlige arbejdsformidlinger, Danmark