2009 Postgraduate opportunities

Mycobacterium paratuberculosis and the pathological and immunological aspects of disease

Have you ever had a desire to do research on an infectious disease? If so, two exciting PhD scholarships are available to conduct research on Mycobacterium paratuberculosis and the pathological and immunological aspects of disease. This research will equip you to be a future leader in veterinary pathobiology, and open career opportunities in academia, biomedical research, government and the private sector. Your new skills will be applicable to any animal health future that you chose! You will have recongition to work anywhwere in the world at a high level.

M.paratuberculosis causes chronic intestinal disease in animals. The pathology and immune response to M.paratuberculosis infection closely resemble tuberculosis (M. tuberculosis) and leprosy (M. leprae) in man. This makes Johne’s disease an excellent animal model for mycobacterial infections.

In this project, cattle and sheep will be studied throughout the course of the disease using state-of-the-art approaches in pathology, genomics, proteomics and immunology. The virulence and survival tactics of M.paratuberculosis will also be examined. You will receive instruction in a team of highly experienced researchers and have opportunities to travel to local and international conferences to present your research. More details about the Farm Animal and Veterinary Public Health group can be found at http://www.vetsci.usyd.edu.au/research/farmanimal_health/index.shtml.

Scholarships are $25,000 p.a. tax free for 3 years.

Please send a CV and statement of interest to:
Professor Richard Whittington and Ms Marion Saddington at: richardw@camden.usyd.edu.au and marions@camden.usyd.edu.au
or
Faculty of Veterinary Science
Private Mailbag 3
Camden NSW 2570

Further information:
Professor Richard Whittington, 02 9351 1619;
Dr Doug Begg, Dr Karren Plain, or Dr Kumi de Silva on 02 9036 7737 or
dougb@camden.usyd.edu.au
kdesilva@camden.usyd.edu.au
karren.plain@usyd.edu.au