Research Fellow (Fixed Term/Part Time)

Endemic disease in cattle has a substantial negative impact on welfare of cattle worldwide, reduces farm productivity and profitability and sustainability. Endemic diseases persist within populations unless actively controlled. Control programmes for endemic disease in the UK have tended to focus on relatively few key conditions such as Mastitis, Bovine Viral Diarrhoea (BVD) or Johnes Disease, and implemented by individual farms, vets, or small stakeholder groups. Recently the control of endemic disease within the UK is devolved, and BVD is an example where endemic disease control is handled independently by each of the four devolved nations. To achieve a step change in endemic disease control and eradication, national and multi-national, coordinated approaches to disease control are required and the aim of this research is to create a novel solution to guide UK national control programmes for BVD. Our solution is to develop an infectious disease simulation modelling framework applicable to all sectors across the UK cattle industry, incorporate the behaviours of different stakeholders (farmers, vets, and programme bodies) and farming systems across the entire network from all four UK nations. Using this collaborative approach will ensure development of a disease model is relevant, practical and addresses the needs of each individual country. 

To deliver this research we are looking for a part-time skilled and enthusiastic research fellow to join our Ruminant Population Health research group at the University of Nottingham’s school of Veterinary Medicine. You will support the delivery a key work package in a 3- year BBSRC funded project in collaboration with SRUC. This work package will involve by engaging with key stakeholders in BVD control via workshops and surveys to obtain quantitative measure of disease control behaviour with respect to each nation’s current and potential disease control strategies. Example methods will include best worst scaling. 

The post will be primarily research focused (90%) with limited administrative duties. Collaboration with current research teams and projects will be essential. Further roles include active participation in the Strategic Research Area of Ruminant Population Health and mentoring of post graduate researchers. 

In addition to the online application form candidates should submit a CV which gives details of academic qualifications, including class of first degree, a career summary and a full list of publications.

This role is offered on a fixed term basis until 30/06/2026.Hours of work are part time (7.25 hours).

Informal enquiries may be addressed to Luke O'Grady, email luke.o’grady@nottingham.ac.uk. Please note that applications sent directly to this email address will not be accepted.

It is a condition of this post that satisfactory enhanced disclosure is obtained from the 'Disclosure and Barring Service'.

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