University of CopenhagenFaculty of Life Sciences
Universitetsparken 2
2100 Copenhagen
PhD fellowship on Effects of probiotics on the gut microbiome associated with clostridial infection
Department of Veterinary Disease Biology, Faculty of Life Sciences at University of Copenhagen is offering a PhD scholarship within "Effects of probiotics on the gut microbiome associated with clostridial infection" commencing on the 1st of January 2011 or soon thereafter.
The application deadline is the 15th of November 2010.
The application deadline is the 15th of November 2010.
Project description The project will focus on the use of probiotics for prevention of clostridial enteric colonization and disease. The primary objective of this PhD project is to evaluate the efficacy of probiotics for controlling clostridial infection without recourse to antibiotics. This approach has potential applications in the prophylaxis of widespread clostridial diseases in humans (i.e. Clostridium difficile-associated diarrhea, CDAD) and in animals (e.g. colitis X in horses, chronic antibiotic-responsive diarrhea in dogs and neonatal enterocolitis in pigs). The secondary objective is to understand the dynamics of clostridial proliferation associated with one or more of these diseases. Research activities will include in vitro studies, randomized controlled trials and the development of an animal model mimicking development of clostridial disease. High throughput Fluidigm® technology for profiling the microbiota composition will be used to compare the effects by different probiotics on the composition of the intestinal microflora, with particular respect to the various clostridial species inhabiting the intestinal tract of humans and animals. The fellow will have to design experiments relevant to the scope of the project and therefore a specific experience in this research area is required.
The PhD fellowship is supported by the Danish Centre of Antimicrobial Research & Development (DanCard), a national research centre funded by the Strategic Research Council. One of the objectives of this national research centre is to minimize the negative effects of antimicrobial medication in both humans and animals, generating synergy between research groups and enterprises working in the health and the food area. The PhD study is in collaboration with other Danish research institutions and private companies working on probiotic research. The PhD student will undergo interdisciplinary training in microbiology, microbial ecology and bioinformatics, and will have the opportunity to interact professionally with other young scientists working on related topics.
The PhD student is expected to contribute to teaching, including laboratory practical in the microbiology course for veterinary students and co-supervision of MSC projects on topics related to the subject of the PhD.
Qualification requirements
In connection with the appointment to the post special importance will be attached to the applicant having the professional and personal qualifications stated below:
- MSc degree in Medicine, Veterinary Medicine or Biology
- Fluency in English
- Documented laboratory experience in the area of microbial ecology or clostridial disease
- Capacity to design experiments related to the scope of the project
Principal supervisor
Title: Associate Professor
Name: Luca Guardabassi
E-mail: lg@life.ku.dk
Direct Phone: (+45) 35332745
Department of Veterinary Disease Biology
Job description
Your key tasks as a PhD fellow at LIFE are:
- Manage and carry through your research project
- Take PhD courses
- Write scientific articles and your PhD thesis
- Participate in international congresses
- Stay at a research institution abroad for a few months
- Teach and disseminate your research
Key criteria for the assessment of candidates
- A master´s degree related to the subject area of the project
- The grade point average achieved
- Professional qualifications relevant to the PhD programme
- Previous publications
- Relevant work experience
- Other professional activities
- Language skills
- Interpersonal skills
- Marks obtained during the first year of study on the master programme (only relevant for applicants applying for a 4-year scholarship)
Formal requirements
The positions are available for a 3-year period for applicants holding a relevant master´s degree or for a 4-year period for applicants who are already enrolled or are accepted to be enrolled at one of the Faculty´s master´s programmes.
At the time of commencement, applicants for the 4-year period must have approximately one year of study remaining before graduating from their MSc programme.
The successful applicant of the PhD scholarship must pass an enrolment in the LIFE Graduate School before the Faculty can finish the letter of employment.
Graduate School of Faculty of Life Sciences, LIFE strives to give our students the best international career prospects within our main research areas.
Application Procedure
All applicants must use the formal PhD application form, F1, the specified annexes, excl. annex 3, are to be included in the application.
Applicants whose principal language of instruction during their BSc/MSc was not Scandinavian or English must enclose IELTS or TOEFL test scores.
The application should be submitted in one signed printed copy and one complete PDF file on a CD-ROM or USB memory stick (i.e. forms F1 and all enclosures gathered in a single PDF file).
It is not possible to submit the application via e-mail.
The applicant will be assessed according to the Ministry of Science Technology and Innovation Executive Order no 284 of 25. April 2008.
By the end of February all applicants will have received information regarding the evaluation of their application. Receipt of the application will not be acknowledged.
The application, marked 625/05411-297 should be sent to:
Department of Veterinary Disease Biology
Grønnegårdsvej 15, st
1870 Frederiksberg C
DENMARK
The application must be received no later than the 15th of November 2010 at 12.00 pm (noon). Applications received later than this will not be considered.
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