Epigenetics to understand disease

Triangulating epigenetic, genetic and epidemiological data to understand infectious disease ecology and evolution

Degree type

PhD

Closing date

1 June 2024

Campus

Hobart

Citizenship requirement

Domestic

About the research project

Genetics are well known to be important drivers of organism health from plants to humans. However, it is increasingly recognized that the environment and behaviour can change how genes work. These 'epigenetic' changes are crucial for understanding host-pathogen evolution, yet most research has focussed on the epigenetic consequences on the host rather than the pathogen. Substantial epigenetic variation exists in pathogens from viruses to infectious tumours, but this information is rarely utilized to understand pathogen evolution and epidemiology. This PhD project will employ cutting-edge advances in epigenetic techniques and bioinformatics to understand infectious disease evolution and epidemiology in three contrasting systems; seabird viruses across the Southern Ocean, mammalian blood parasites and Tasmanian Devil facial tumour disease. Through this uniquely comparative approach, the project intends not only to shed light on the role of epigenetic information in these crucial study systems but also to establish a foundation for integrating this data with genetic and epidemiological information to address pressing conservation challenges.

Primary Supervisor

Meet Dr Nicholas Fountain-Jones

Funding

Applicants will be considered for a Research Training Program (RTP) scholarship or Tasmania Graduate Research Scholarship (TGRS) which, if successful, 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 our Scholarships and fees on research degrees page.

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:

  • The degree must be undertaken on a full-time basis
  • Applicants must already have been awarded a First-Class Honours degree or hold equivalent qualifications or relevant and substantial research experience in an appropriate sector
  • Applicants must be able to demonstrate strong research and analytical skills
  • Applicants must meet English requirements or be able to do so before commencement
  • Applicants must be able to undertake the project on-campus

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:

  • A good understanding of the fields of molecular ecology, landscape genetics and epidemiology
  • Proficient with quantitative analyses of genetic, spatial and epidemiological data
  • Ability to work with multiple data sets
  • Proven success in molecular lab work
  • Ability to work as part of an interdisciplinary team

Additional desirable selection criteria specific to this project:

  • Interest in assisting with wildlife surveys

Application process

  1. Select your project, and check that you meet the eligibility and selection criteria, including citizenship;
  2. Contact Dr Nicholas Fountain-Jones to discuss your suitability and the project's requirements; and
  3. In your application:
    • Copy and paste the title of the project from this advertisement into your application. If you don’t correctly do this your application may be rejected.
    • Submit a signed supervisory support form, a CV including contact details of 2 referees and your project research proposal.
  4. Apply prior to 1 June 2024.

Full details of the application process can be found under the 'How to apply' section of the Research Degrees website.

Following the closing date applications will be assessed within the College. Applicants should expect to receive notification of the outcome by email by the advertised outcome date.

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