Doctoral Studentship (PhD): Assessment of dietary additives as a control measure for Campylobacter spp. in UK broiler chickens

Hartpury University is pleased to offer this exciting project examining the relationship between the dietary additives as a control measure for Campylobacter in chickens. This is a collaborative project & will involve some time spent in the labs at another institution. The rationale for this project is to understand the impacts that dietary additives have on the growth of Campylobacter in vitro & using cell culture the impact of these additives on the gut barrier. It has been shown that dietary additives can reduce the number of Campylobacter present in the chicken gut in vivo but the mode of action of these is unclear. Whether it’s the additives themselves or the increase or decrease of another bacterial species in the gut which impacts on Campylobacter. The successful candidate will conduct research to determine the effect of dietary additives on the growth of Campylobacter spp. & using cell-culture what protective effect they have on gut barrier integrity. This position would suit a driven individual, willing to travel for data collection, with a passion for microbiology.

For more information and an initial discussion please contact:

Dr Lisa Williams lisa.williams2@hartpury.ac.uk

This is a unique & exciting opportunity to become part of vibrant postgraduate community in an idyllic rural setting, with world leading facilities & undertaking impactful cutting-edge research. The University of the West of England is the awarding body for this degree

Studentships comprise of tuition fees & research project allocation.

PhD Studentship Selection Criteria:

Please demonstrate the following criteria in your CV and/or covering letter:

• Essential undergraduate degree or MSc in a field relating to the project.
• Essential quantitative data analysis skills in Excel.
• Desirable skill/experience of working with others in a research setting and/or industry experience.
• Ability/willingness to travel for data collection.

Candidates should also be aware of the following:

The normal expectation is that applicants will hold at least a 2:1 or a Masters qualification from a UK university or a degree of comparable standing from a university outside the UK. The candidate’s degree relevant to the studentship should demonstrate their potential for practice-led research or alternative evidence of research aptitude. Applicants whose first language is not English require a recognized English language qualification. The minimum entry requirement is GCSE English at grade C or above or IELTS score 7.0 or TOEFL score 600 (or demonstrable equivalent).

Applying for a PhD studentship

To apply for a PhD studentship you must send the following documents to RKE.Administrator@hartpury.ac.uk:

• A curriculum vitae (maximum 3 pages).
• Copies of academic transcripts.
• A covering letter outlining your suitability for the studentship.
• Your undergraduate or postgraduate dissertation or another relevant piece of research you have completed or contributed to.
• If English is not your first language, certification of English language qualification.

Applications that do not arrive by Midnight (UK time) on 11 June 2025 will not be considered.

If your application is selected, you will be invited for an interview on 7 July 2025. All applicants must ensure their availability on this date.

Key Dates:

11 June 2025: Deadline for submission of applications

18 June 2025: Interview invitations sent to shortlisted candidates*

7 July 2025: Interviews at Hartpury*

31 July 2025: Deadline for accepting studentship

September 2025: Studentship begins

*Please note that by submitting an application you are confirming your availability to attend an interview on Wednesday 7 July 2025.

We are committed to safeguarding & promoting the welfare of children & young people & expect all staff & volunteers to share this commitment.

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