PhD: Devil Facial Tumour Disease Vaccine
Location: Hobart Campus, University of Tasmania, Australia
Primary Supervisor: Dr Andy Files
About the Research Project
Two independent Tasmanian devil facial tumours (DFT1, DFT2) are infectious cancers with nearly 100% case fatality rates. Despite rare cases of natural tumour regressions, most Tasmanian devils (Sarcophilus harrisii) suffer and die from DFT1/2 by age 4. This has resulted in >80% declines in regional devil populations where DFT1 and/or DFT2 are present. Few tools exist for controlling DFT1 and no attempts have been made to control DFT2, which to date exists only in southern Tasmania. The overarching goal of this project is to develop a DFT1/2 vaccine that can help rebuild the wild devil population ravaged by DFT1 and prevent spread of DFT2 across the state. This oral bait vaccine project will be model for combatting other wildlife diseases.
The student will integrate into yhr team of researchers, veterinarians, and industry partners to execute key aspects of our vaccine development and trials. The student will play a lead role in safety testing of the vaccine in captive animals and analysis of vaccine effectiveness trials in the field. The project will generate highly-skilled students and researchers that are competitive in the international biotech sector.
Funding
The successful applicant will receive a scholarship which provides:
- a living allowance stipend of $32,192 per annum (2024 rate, indexed annually) for 3.5 years
- a relocation allowance of up to $2,000
- a tuition fees offset covering the cost of tuition fees for up to four years (domestic applicants only)
If successful, international applicants will receive a University of Tasmania Fees Offset for up to four years.
As part of the application process you may indicate if you do not wish to be considered for scholarship funding.
Other funding opportunities and fees
For further information regarding other scholarships on offer, and the various fees of undertaking a research degree, please visit Scholarships and fees.
Eligibility
Applicants should review the Higher Degree by Research minimum entry requirements.
Ensure your eligibility for the scholarship round by referring to our Key Dates.
Additional eligibility criteria specific to this project/scholarship:
- Applicants must be able to undertake the project on-campus
- Applications are open to Domestic and International applicants
- English language score must be above minimum entry requirements for this project
Selection Criteria
The project is competitively assessed and awarded. Selection is based on academic merit and suitability to the project as determined by the College.
Additional essential selection criteria specific to this project:
- Experience with cell culture, molecular biology, and/or immunological assays
- Demonstrated ability to write reports, thesis, and/or academic papers
- Ability to work with a diverse academic and industry team
- A strong commitment to animal welfare and wildlife conservation
- Independently motivated and ability troubleshoot problems.
Additional desirable selection criteria specific to this project:
- Prior experience with vaccine trials
- Assembly of plasmid DNA vectors
- Production and purification of recombinant proteins
- Basic computer programming skills (R, Python)
- Driving license to pick up wildlife tissue samples
- Immunohistochemistry
- Basic statistics