The University of Liverpool, Faculty of Veterinary Science
In collaboration with
The University of Liverpool, Department of Mathematical Sciences
Veterinary Laboratories Agency (VLA)
British Pig Executive (BPEx)
BBSRC-funded PhD Project Studentship
The sum of our experience: Mathematics and decision making for Salmonella
on UK pig farms
We invite applications for a four year BBSRC PhD. studentship in the
National Centre for Zoonosis Research at the University of Liverpool, based
at the University’s Leahurst campus on the Wirral.
The focus of this PhD will be upon developing mathematical models
describing transmission of the human food-borne pathogen Salmonella around
a typical pig herd, thereby enhancing understanding of mechanisms of
infection transmission and identifying key drivers of Salmonella burden.
Approximately one quarter of British finisher pigs at slaughter may carry
Salmonella (VLA, 2005), and current interest concerns interventions which
might assist with control of Salmonella on-farm and elsewhere in the food
chain. Field studies are expensive, however, and the development of novel,
economical methods for studying interventions is warranted. Mathematical
models can be used to understand how the components of a complex real-world
system interact, and to predict how these components might respond to
changes in, for example, a commercial environment.
The objectives of this PhD. are four-fold:
• To improve understanding of Salmonella dynamics on UK pig farms using
mathematical models;
• To use mathematical models to predict the response of complex systems to
change;
• To provide model-based estimates of the likely effects of interventions
on Salmonella burden;
• To add to the evidence base available to the pig industry for decision-
making.
The successful applicant will have the opportunity during their studies to
spend a six month placement working in the VLA’s Centre for Epidemiology
and Risk Analysis, and will undertake regular visits to BPEx to gain first-
hand understanding of the structure of the pig industry and key features of
the pig farming system.
We encourage applications from candidates who hold or expect to gain a good
(2(i) or above) BSc. (Hons) or an MSc. in a mathematical science. BPEx are
CASE sponsors of this research, and as such this studentship attracts a
£2,500 per annum supplement to the standard BBSRC stipend. In addition, PhD
registration fees will be paid, and there is extra funding to cover the
costs of the VLA placement and BPEx visits.
For an informal discussion in the first instance please contact Dr. Helen
Clough ([log in to unmask]),or Dr. Damian Clancy
([log in to unmask]). Application is by covering letter and curriculum
vitae, with details of two academic referees, to Helen Clough, either at
the above email address or by post to Dr. Helen Clough, National Centre For
Zoonosis Research, University of Liverpool, “Leahurst”, Neston, South
Wirral CH64 7TE. The closing date for applications is 20th June 2008, with
start date 1st October 2008.
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