PhD: Development of Wildlife Vaccines
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 isolate marsupial adenoviruses and engineer them into vaccine vectors. The novel vaccine platforms will serve as the basis of our devil facial tumour disease vaccine..
The student will integrate into our team of researchers, veterinarians, and local wildlife organisations. The student will play a lead role in collecting field samples, screening for viruses, and engineering viral vectors for use as vaccines. Key methods will include wildlife tissue collection, cell culture, DNA/RNA sequencing and analysis, and assembly of synthetic DNA constructs. The project will generate highly-skilled student and researchers that are competitive in the international biotech, wildlife disease, and veterinary vaccines fields.
Funding
The successful applicant will receive a scholarship which provides:
- a living allowance stipend of $33,511 per annum (2025 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.
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
- Driving license to pick up wildlife tissue samples and work with collaborators in the field
Additional desirable selection criteria specific to this project:
- Prior experience with vaccine development or trials
- Assembly of plasmid DNA vectors
- Bioinformatics
- Basic computer programming or statistical skills (e.g. R)
- Immunohistochemistry