“Antiviral activity and resistance to Abalone viral Ganglioneuritis.”
In collaboration with Flinders University, DPI Victoria, SARDI Aquatic Sciences, The Abalone Council Australia and The Australian Abalone Growers Association, the Australian Seafood CRC offers a scholarship of $26,140 per annum for three years for a Postgraduate Student. The scholarship has an additional operating budget of at least $5,000 per year for three years and $300 towards thesis binding in the third year. A further $1,000 per year is also available for defined mentor activities to be approved by the CRC. As a Seafood CRC student the successful candidate will be fully engaged in the CRC PhD program which will support the development of the student as a scientist in a number of innovative ways through annual workshops and mentoring programs.
In collaboration with Flinders University, DPI Victoria, SARDI Aquatic Sciences, The Abalone Council Australia and The Australian Abalone Growers Association, the Australian Seafood CRC offers a scholarship of $26,140 per annum for three years for a Postgraduate Student. The scholarship has an additional operating budget of at least $5,000 per year for three years and $300 towards thesis binding in the third year. A further $1,000 per year is also available for defined mentor activities to be approved by the CRC. As a Seafood CRC student the successful candidate will be fully engaged in the CRC PhD program which will support the development of the student as a scientist in a number of innovative ways through annual workshops and mentoring programs.
Project description
We are looking to appoint a postgraduate scholar to a project that is investigating Abalone Viral Ganglioneuritis (AVG), which is currently decimating populations in Victoria and nationally threatens the abalone fishing and aquaculture industries. This project seeks to address whether abalone can carry this virus without displaying clinical signs and determine whether abalone have differential antiviral activity that correlates with disease resistance. Overall, this project will enhance biosecurity preparedness and response in the abalone industries through the detection and development of AVG-resistant, AVG virusfree populations.
We are looking to appoint a postgraduate scholar to a project that is investigating Abalone Viral Ganglioneuritis (AVG), which is currently decimating populations in Victoria and nationally threatens the abalone fishing and aquaculture industries. This project seeks to address whether abalone can carry this virus without displaying clinical signs and determine whether abalone have differential antiviral activity that correlates with disease resistance. Overall, this project will enhance biosecurity preparedness and response in the abalone industries through the detection and development of AVG-resistant, AVG virusfree populations.
The student will be enrolled at Flinders University, Adelaide but the position will require some travel to Victoria for PCR training at DPI Vic and for the collection and processing of abalone. The student will be co-supervised at Flinders by Dr. Kirsten Benkendorff, who has over 10 years of experience in molluscan immunity and Dr Peter Speck, a herpes virologist with specific expertise in the application of the anti-HSV assays and the identification of herpes-like viruses and associated pathology. External collaborators in the project include mentors from Government research organization and Industry; Dr Mehdi Dourdi (SARDI aquatic sciences), Dr Simone Warner (DPI Vic), Dr Mark Crane (C.S.I.R.O. Australian Animal Health Laboratory); Dr Ann Fleming (Australian Abalone Growers Association) and Mr Michael Tokley (Abalone Council Australia).
Selection criteria – essential
- First class or high 2A honours degree, master’s degree or equivalent in a relevant discipline (e.g. Biotechnology, Cell and Molecular Biology, Fisheries or Aquaculture).
- Ability and experience in working both independently and as part of an interdisciplinary team.
- Strong written and oral communication skills, including an ability to publish and present results of scientific research and to communicate in a variety of scientific and non-scientific forums.
- Knowledge, understanding and commitment to Equal Employment Opportunity, Occupational Health and Safety including biosafety, Workplace Diversity and Employee Participation.
Selection criteria – desirable - A commitment to applied research and an interest in supporting the development of Australia’s seafood industry.
- Demonstrated ability to undertake cell culture and handling of live viruses.
- Demonstrated ability to perform laboratory based procedures (e.g. animal dissection, DNA extraction, PCR, cytotoxicity and antiviral assays).
Other information
Applicants are required to include two documents: (1) a document addressing the selection criteria and (2) a “Resume or CV” including the names of at least two referees. Applications should be mailed to the following address or sent electronically to kirsten.benkendorff@flinders.edu.au;
Dr Kirsten Benkendorff
School of Biological Sciences
Flinders University
GPO Box 2100
Adelaide, SA, Australia 5001
For further details please contact:
- Dr Kirsten Benkendorff, School of Biological Sciences, Flinders University, Adelaide, SA 5001 Email: Kirsten.benkendorff@flinders.edu.au OR;
- Dr Peter Speck, School of Biological Sciences, Flinders University, Adelaide, SA. Email:
Peter.speck@flinders.edu.au
More info: http://www.growfish.com.au/content.asp?ContentId=11804
