Warwick, UK: PhD Studentship, Modelling Disease Epidemiology, University of Warwick

University of Warwick
PhD Studentship

Modelling Disease Epidemiology: Application to Footrot in Sheep

The development of mathematical models to describe disease epidemiology can provide key insights into the evolution and control of disease, as well as enhancing the interpretation of field and experimental data.

This project will apply such models to footrot, a bacterial disease of particular importance to the sheep industry. Specifically, the project will develop models that combine aspects of disease transmission and epidemiology, host genetic response to infection and possible resultant co-evolution of the bacterium.

The successful candidate will join a multidisciplinary group combining expertise in disease epidemiology and mathematical modelling (University of Warwick), livestock disease genetics (Roslin Institute) and the application of breeding technologies to commercial flocks (SAC). The successful candidate will benefit from being part of the dynamic Ecology and Epidemiology group at Warwick University, and the Division of Genetics and Genomics at the renowned Roslin Institute.

The student will be enrolled at the University of Warwick, under the Supervision of Prof. Laura Green (Laura.Green@warwick.ac.uk ), where training in epidemiology will be received. At Roslin Institute, the supervisor will be Prof. Steve Bishop (Stephen.Bishop@bbsrc.ac.uk ), and input from SAC will be led by Dr. Andrea Wilson (Andrea.Wilson@sac.ac.uk ). Additionally, the project is partly funded by Pfizer Ltd., and a period working within Pfizer is also anticipated. This is a desk-based project. It is not currently envisaged that the student would undertake laboratory work.

This project would particularly suit a graduate in biological or veterinary sciences who has an interest in, and aptitude for, quantitative study. For further details of the project, please contact the principal supervisors directly or visit http://www.roslin.ac.uk/jobs