PhD student, Veterinary Bacteriology

Department of Biomedical Science and Veterinary Public Health
A position as PhD student is declared vacant in the area of biomedical sciences, with focus on bacteriology, at the Department of Biomedical Sciences and Veterinary Public Health (BVF) at the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences. BVF is part of the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Sciences and is responsible for under graduate training, research and post-graduate training in the areas of pathology, pharmacology, toxicology, immunology, food safety, virology, bacteriology, parasitology and epizootology.

Colibacillos in poultry – characterization of bacteria and risk factors
Colibacillosis is the most common cause of bacterial disease in poultry worldwide, regardless of production type and flock size. The term colibacillosis includes both local and systemic infections that can manifest in poultry as sporadic disease/death or as outbreaks with sudden high mortality. The results of these studies will contribute to increased knowledge regarding risk factors for outbreaks. New data regarding colibacillos in poultry will be provided together with spread and diversity of antimicrobial resistant genes.

Description:
We are searching for a highly motivated PhD-student interested in the research area of biomedical sciences with focus on bacteriology. The overall purpose of this project is to provide increased knowledge on the epidemiology and pathogenesis for outbreaks of poultry colibacillosis. The projects includes for example collection of bacterial samples during herd visits, mapping virulence genes, resistance pattern and relationships of E. coli as well as any connections with risk factors in the animals´ environment. The long-term aim is to control and prevent the infection, through identification of efficient intervention strategies and animal husbandry measures to prevent outbreaks of colibacillosis in a sustainable way with the ultimate benefit of promoting animal health.

Work within the project includes planning and conducting research studies such as, fieldwork with investigation of diseases, data collection and sampling of poultry herds in Sweden, as well as bacteriological, molecular biological and epidemiological analyses.  Scientific and popular scientific presentation of results, both orally and in writing, is an important part of the project. The bacteriological and molecular analyses include culture and identification of bacteria, and analyses of antimicrobial resistance and clonal diversity. The epidemiological studies include data and risk analysis and in-depth study with healthy and sick poultry

Qualifications:
Suitable background for the position is veterinarian, but also, an agronomist, microbiologist or equivalent may come into question. We are looking for a person with a Master of Science and good knowledge of communicating in Swedish and English in speech and writing. Particular emphasis will be placed on personal skills as a team player as well as an ability to take initiatives and work independently. Driving license and practical experience of veterinary field work is desirable.

Place of work:      
Ultuna, Uppsala

Forms for funding or employment:
Employment as a PhD student, 4 years education

Starting date:
According to agreement

Application:
Click the “Apply” button to submit your application. The deadline is 2022-03-31.

To qualify for third-cycle (Doctoral) courses and study programmes, you must have a second-cycle (Master’s) qualification. Alternatively, you must have conducted a minimum of four years of full-time study, of which a minimum of one year at second-cycle level.

Applicants will be selected based on their written application and CV, degree project, copies of their degree certificate and transcript of records from previous first and second-cycle studies at a university or higher education institution, two personal references, and knowledge of English. More information about the English language requirements can be found here: www.slu.se/en/education/programmes-courses/doctoral-studies/new-doctoral-students/english-language-requirements/

Please note that applicants invited to interview must submit attested copies of their degree certificate, a transcript of records from previous first and second-cycle studies at a university or higher education institution. Applicants who are not Swedish citizens need to submit an attested copy of their passport’s information page containing their photograph and personal details.

Read about the PhD education at SLU at www.slu.se/en/education/programmes-courses/doctoral-studies/

Academic union representatives:
https://internt.slu.se/en/my-employment/employee-associations/kontaktpersoner-vid-rekrytering/



The Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU) is a world-class international university with research, education and environmental assessment within the sciences for sustainable life. Its principal sites are in Alnarp, Umeå and Uppsala, but activities are also conducted at research stations, experimental parks and educational establishments throughout Sweden. We bring together people who have different perspectives, but they all have one and the same goal: to create the best conditions for a sustainable, thriving and better world.

SLU has just over 3,000 employees, 5,000 students and a turnover of SEK 3 billion. The university has invested heavily in a modern, attractive environment on its campuses.

www.slu.se