Identification of genetic mechanisms for resistance to Piscirickettsia salmonis

About the research project

Piscirickettsia salmonis, causing Salmon Rickettsial Syndrome (SRS) is an emerging disease affecting Atlantic salmon aquaculture in many farming regions worldwide, including Tasmania. Control of SRS with antimicrobials and/or vaccination is possible but has challenges such as short duration of protection. Breeding for SRS resistance offers a complementary approach and is currently underway in many regions (most notably in Chile where moderate heritability has been reported). One of the challenges with selective breeding for SRS resistance is that animals must be naturally or artificially challenged with the disease to identify superior families. Tank challenge is a costly and time-consuming process which may not be correlated with natural exposure. The rate of genetic gain depends upon heritability and its weighting in the overall commercial breeding goal, but is likely to be slow over multiple generations.

Here we propose to use the emerging technology of CRISPR to identify genes that influence SRS resistance in salmonid cells. Utilising cell culture models is an attractive approach because it can provide a rapid screening method to identifying genes that inhibit Piscirickettsia salmonis infection without the need of costly in vivo challenges. We propose to use a two-pronged approach to identify SRS resistance genes, 1) we will focus on candidate genes that have previously been identified through GWAS and functional genomics and 2) we will perform a whole genome knockout screen (known as a GeCKO screen) using an existing cell model at CSIRO.

The identification of genes and pathways that control SRS resistance will benefit the Tasmanian industry by providing basic understand of the host/pathogen interaction. This information will help the aquaculture industry develop new or improved mitigation and management strategies ultimately reducing the impact of this disease on Tasmanian Atlantic salmon aquaculture.

The PhD project is prestigious and in honour of Dr Harry King, who was a widely respected aquaculture biologist and left an indelible mark on the Atlantic salmon industry as a research scientist and farm manager. A fully funded scholarship by the "Dr Harry King Memorial Scholarship" will provide the opportunity to begin a career in environmental pathobiology and to continue Harry's work to apply impactful solutions to aquaculture production. The successful applicant will be embedded in an emerging salmon research team of academic and industry leaders, including IMAS CSIRO, Tassa, Huon Aquaculture, and BioMar.

Alternate location

The candidates, as a part of this scholarship program are required to be based at CSIRO, Hobart. They will be given office space, lab space, access to all necessary resources, and constant support by the research advisors at CSIRO, in addition to the required support to be provided by the supervisory team at UTAS, being the student a UTAS PhD candidate. Currently, three PhDs are ongoing under the same program and arrangement, which suggests that the approach is working efficiently.

Primary supervisor

Meet Associate Professor Ivona Mladineo

Funding

The successful applicant will receive a scholarship which provides:

• a living allowance stipend co-funded with CSIRO of $34,315 per annum 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)

A tuition fee offset may be offered to eligible international applicants following competitive assessment 

As part of the application process you may indicate if you do not wish to be considered for scholarship funding.

Additional Funding

If successful, applicants will also receive a Dr Harry King Memorial top-up scholarship of $2,500 per annum for 3.5 years. This scholarship is funded from Dr Harry King Memorial.

Other funding opportunities and fees

For further information regarding other scholarships on offer, and the various fees for 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.

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:

• Proven molecular biology proficiency at Honours/ Masters level, including PCR, qPCR, and cloning
• Use of basic bioinformatics tools (e.g., primer design, BLAST, phylogeny tree construction)
• Sound understanding and proficiency in statistical analyses
• Ability to design a sound experimental setup
• High-level written and communication skills, proven by published research and/or presentations at conferences
• Handling and sampling cell lines and experimental animals
• Willingness to travel and work in remote locations and commercial environments

Additional desirable selection criteria specific to this project:

• Experience in working with cell lines
• Experience with CRISPR toolkit
• Knowledge of WGS data mining
• Driving licence

Application process

1. Select your project, and check that you meet the eligibility and selection criteria, including citizenship;
2. Contact Associate Professor Ivona Mladineo 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 October 2026.

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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