PhD Studentship
Host Metabolomic and Gut Metagenomic studies into High Fibre Diets in Poultry Meat Production
University of Reading -Food and Nutritional Science
PhD Supervisor: Prof Martin J Woodward
Studentship Reference: G13-33&34
Application Deadline: 6th May 2013 (interviews set for 15th May)
Funding Availability: Funded PhD projects (European/UK Students only, due to restrictions on funding)
The human population is increasing rapidly as is the consumption of animal meat, especially poultry. Improving production, whilst minimising environmental impact, requires research into altered animal diets. This study aims to understand the impact on the gut microbiota and the response of the chicken to increased dietary fibre. Next Generation Sequencing (NGS) metagenomic approaches will be used to profile luminal and mucosally attached bacteria of the gut. Fermentation products (SCFA, gas production, biogenic amines etc) will be analysed using appropriate metabonomic (HPLC, NMR, MS etc) approaches. Populations will be monitored in in vitro gut simulation models to verify changes seen in vivo. Emergent bacterial strains will be analysed potentially by whole genome sequence analysis, mass phenotyping and metabolic modelling. Metabolic changes within the animal will be assessed by metabonic characterisation of colonocytes, liver, glycogen content of muscle etc. Expression of key effector genes (e.g. cytokines etc) induced by changes of the diet and microbiota will be assessed by qRT-PCR and potentially whole host cell mRNA profiling will be undertaken. Intestinal morphology, barrier function, mucin production, intestinal physiology et will be assessed and in vitro organ culture (IVOC) will be used extensively to interrogate host responses in support of in vivo findings.
The work will be supported by (1) a newly refurbished molecular biology suite, (2) the Chemical Analysis Facility (CAF) which has a world class state of the art metabolite analysis capability and (3) the on-site farm. This study will be supervised by Prof Martin J Woodward who leads the ‘sustainable animal production’ research initiatives from the University’s Centre for Food Security (CFS) and who has over thirty year’s of experience in poultry health and vaccine development. This project will be supported by an extensive network of experts across all relevant disciplines hosted by the Centre.
Funding notes:
Two posts are available and applications are invited for these very exciting research opportunities and prospective candidates should hold or expect to have gained at least an upper second degree in a relevant subject. Stipends will be at standard BBSRC rates in addition to covering tuition and registration fees. Due to restrictions on funding, applications are limited to UK/European nationals only. The project will commence as of 1st October 2013 and be for three years duration.
References:
Formal applications should be submitted in the form of a CV and a covering letter outlining motivation, interest and suitability for the project and should be sent directly and exclusively by e-mail to Prof Martin J Woodward (m.j.woodward@reading.ac.uk). A minimum of two named referees need to be supplied. For informal discussion about the project and the extensive training opportunities within the studies please contact Prof Martin J Woodward by e-mail (m.j.woodward@reading.ac.uk) or by telephone (44+ (0)118 378 8727).
