IFR – PhD Studenship 2010 – UK

Written By: rahul on September 16, 2010 No Comment

PhD Studentship 2010 in The role of biofilms in Campylobacter transmission through the food chain at Institute of Food Research UK

About IFR:
IFR is a world leader in research into harnessing food for health and controlling food-related diseases. Our scientists address the UK’s Grand Challenges of obesity and healthy ageing by defining the relationship between food, diet and health, and they are making a vital contribution to the food security agenda. We undertake internationally-ranked fundamental, strategic and applied research with high socio-economic impact, making a real difference to quality of life.

Detail:
The bacterial pathogen Campylobacter jejuni is the leading cause of food-borne bacterial gastroenteritis in the developed world, with diarrhoeal disease often associated with consumption of undercooked poultry products. C. jejuni must survive during transit on food products, in stressful storage conditions which include different temperatures and atmospheric oxygen levels. Biofilm formation is a well characterized bacterial mode of growth and survival, as the surface-attached and matrix-encased bacteria are protected from stressful environmental conditions such as UV radiation, predation, and desiccation. The research in this PhD-studentship builds on recent findings at the Institute of Food Research that biofilm formation of Campylobacter jejuni is much more rapid in food-chain relevant conditions like atmospheric oxygen levels (20% O2), and that these biofilms allows the bacterium to survive for long periods of time (Appl. Env. Microbiol. 2010;76:2122).

Eligibility:
This is a BBSRC funded studentship with full funding to UK Nationals and EU Nationals who have resided in the UK (in full-time education or full-time residency) for 3 years prior to the start date of the studentship. In most other cases EU Nationals will receive funding to cover their tuition-fees only.

In collaboration with Campden BRI we are seeking a student to investigate (i) the cooperation and synergy of food chain-relevant conditions on biofilm formation by Campylobacter; (ii) study the composition of Campylobacter biofilms and their role in survival in model foods. These investigations will combine microbiological, molecular and biochemical techniques as well as mathematical approaches.
This studentship will give a unique opportunity to combine fundamental and applied research with the aim of combatting foodborne illness in academical and industrial research settings.

Stipend:
The stipend for 2010/11 will be £ 13,590 per annum. As a CASE studentship with Campden BRI, the CASE partner will pay in addition a minimum of £2,500 pa to the student as a stipend enhancement.

Applications Deadline: 01/11/2010

Contact:
Graduate Studies Office
Institute of Food Research
Norwich Research Park
Colney, Norwich, NR4 7UA, UK
Telephone: 01603 450768/9 Fax: 01603 450045
Email: graduates.nrp@bbsrc.ac.uk

Source: http://www.ifr.ac.uk/