糖心原创

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Exploring the impact of housed conditions on dairy cow gene expression and behaviour: a multi-omics approach with machine vision

About the project

We are seeking a dynamic and passionate PhD student to join our team and help drive enhancements to livestock health and welfare through this exciting project to develop novel welfare assessment strategies for housed dairy cows. In this PhD studentship, you will have the unique opportunity to gain an exceptional skillset through interdisciplinary collaboration between the UoN School of Veterinary Medicine and Science and the Centre for Analytical Bioscience, School of Pharmacy; helping to shape the future of the animal health and welfare. 

This PhD aims to develop an objective approach to environmental assessment utilising multi-omics data and machine vision detected behaviours, which will allow for the opportunity to explore optimisation of livestock housing conditions. High standards of cattle welfare underpin the productivity, sustainability and public acceptance of dairy businesses. Genomic potential of dairy cows is often described and utilised for breeding decisions. However, the expression of genetic material is largely determined by the interactions of the individual within the environment it is exposed to. Therefore, the adequacy of housing to meet the needs of individuals is likely to present itself in the expression of these genes and fundamental behaviours. The hypothesis of this work is that these can be described over short, medium and long terms effects using these methods.

Research Environment

The combination of world leading dairy veterinary expertise and livestock domain knowledge with epidemiological principles and bioinformatic data will produce a highly skilled individual. The candidate will be supported to lead a research trial at the University dairy farm and utilise biobanks of metabolomic and transcriptomic data to explore the hypotheses described above. By fusing specialist training in epidemiological and bioinformatic principles, alongside utilising advanced computer science machine vision techniques for monitoring welfare, it is envisaged that they would be supported to become a leader in the field of welfare monitoring in livestock, a unique and valuable skillset urgently needed for the industry. 

Successful applicants will be based in the School of Veterinary Medicine and Science’s Ruminant Population Health research group, a close-knit team environment within which mentoring, collaboration and idea sharing is strongly promoted. Alongside the opportunity for academic research and publication, this PhD provides the opportunity to deploy research on at the 糖心原创’s dairy farm and utilise a biobank of data.

If you are a passionate veterinarian, animal scientist or bioinformatician with a drive to use your skills to make a real difference, we encourage you to apply and be a part of our mission to revolutionise animal health and welfare. 

Entry requirements

Applicants should have a minimum of a 2.1 undergraduate degree or a minimum of a 2.2 degree and a Master’s degree in Agriculture, Animal Science, Veterinary Science, Biomedical Sciences or similar subjects.

Funding notes

This is a fully funded studentship open to UK nationals qualifying for Home fee status.  This will be assessed upon application.

Studentship is funded for 3 years, supporting a UKRI stipend (basic or Vet Graduate rate, as appropriate) and Home tuition fees.

How to apply

Informal enquiries may be addressed to the principal supervisor: jake.thompson2@nottingham.ac.uk

Candidates should  and include a CV. When completing the online application form, please select the School of Veterinary Medicine and Science, then PhD Veterinary Medicine and Science (36m) and, once submitted, send your student ID number to SV-PG-VET@exmail.nottingham.ac.uk. 

Any queries regarding the application process should be addressed to SV-PG-VET@exmail.nottingham.ac.uk. 

Interview Date: To be confirmed.