Postdoctoral Research Fellow

Full-time: 35 hours per week Fixed-term: for 30 months from 1st March 2024 We are seeking a motivated and enthusiastic Postdoctoral Researcher with expertise in microbiology, molecular biology and genomic sequencing to join a BBSRC-funded multi-partner consortium team, led by Dr Deborah Hoyle at the Roslin Institute, investigating the impact of the UK regulatory withdrawal of Zinc oxide (ZnO) from piglet diet on post-weaning diarrhoea, antimicrobial resistance carriage and the gut microbiome. The Opportunity: This is an exciting opportunity for an experienced molecular microbiologist or molecular epidemiologist interested in the management of endemic livestock disease and antimicrobial resistance (AMR), to join an established multi-partner consortium investigating a current and timely issue affecting the UK pig livestock industry.  During pig rearing, therapeutic Zinc Oxide (ZnO) has been used as a supplement in feed for many years, in order to control post-weaning diarrhoea, a multi-factorial syndrome affecting piglet health, welfare and production. However, international concern that Zinc, as a heavy metal, contributes to the development and maintenance of AMR in bacteria has led to the regulatory withdrawal of ZnO from pig feed in Europe in 2022, and this ban will be implemented in the UK from June 2024. The purpose of the current project is therefore to examine the impact of ZnO removal from feed on post-weaning diarrhoea and associated pathogens, carriage of AMR and the composition of the gut microbiome. The post-holder will undertake original research directly related to the project, with a primary focus on the work-package deliverables led by Roslin, examining the impact of ZnO withdrawal on disease and AMR in commercial herds within the UK. Emphasis will be placed on identification of enteric pathogens, AMR gene carriage and shifts in the gut microbiome, through the use of techniques including molecular analyses, strain isolation, whole genome and metagenome sequencing. Additionally, with Roslin as the consortium lead, the post-holder will be required to assist with project coordination across all the collaborating and partner institutions (Queen’s University Belfast, the Animal and Plant Health Agency, Scotland’s Rural College, University of Surrey, Edinburgh Napier University, and industrial partners) in order to deliver the overall project objectives and publication outputs. The PDRA will be based at the Roslin Institute, Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies, University of Edinburgh and will report to Dr Deborah Hoyle. Your skills and attributes for success:  PhD in a microbiological or closely related discipline. Experience working with pathogens of veterinary relevance. Expertise in microbiological, molecular biology and genomic sequencing techniques. Excellent organisational and communication skills. Experience of molecular epidemiology and disease surveillance. Enthusiasm for inter-disciplinary working. Click here to view a copy of the full job description (opens new browser tab) Please apply including your CV. Informal enquiries are welcome and should be directed to Dr Deborah Hoyle at deborah.hoyle@ed.ac.uk. The University of Edinburgh is a charitable body, registered in Scotland, with registration number SC005336. Is e buidheann carthannais a th’ ann an Oilthigh Dhùn Èideann, clàraichte an Alba, àireamh clàraidh SC005336.