Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) Position - Host-pathogen Interactions in Mycoplasma Bovis Pneumonia

Department of Pathobiology, Ontario Veterinary College, University of Guelph

Applications are invited for a PhD position in the Department of Pathobiology.
 

The successful applicant will be involved in a research program on host-pathogen interaction in Mycoplasma bovis infection that focuses on the responses of bovine macrophages to M. bovis infection and how the diseased lung microenvironment modulates these responses. Mycoplasma bovis is an important pathogen of cattle for which adequate control methods are not currently available. The research addresses the reasons that some infected cattle develop severe chronic pneumonia while many other infected cattle remain healthy. The investigative approach involves primary cell culture and advanced analysis of diseased lung tissue, and some work with sample collection from cattle. Laboratory methods are expected to involve mycoplasmal culture, bovine primary cell culture, confocal microscopy, and assays of inflammatory responses and cell death mechanisms, and may also include flow cytometry and electron microscopy.
 

Applicants should have an interest in microbiology and immunology with a focus on host-pathogen interaction and pathogenesis, as well as mechanisms of inflammation and of cell death.
 

The applicant must have completed an MSc degree with a focus on immunology, microbiology or related fields, evidence of strong academic performance, and strong English language communication skills. Applicants must meet the graduate department admissions requirements for the Department of Pathobiology at the University of Guelph, including completion of an approved MSc degree with a minimum 'B+' average.
 

Review of applications will begin immediately and will continue until the position is filled. Interested candidates should email their curriculum vitae, letter of interest, and academic transcripts to Dr. Jeff Caswell, jcaswell@uoguelph.ca.

The anticipated starting date is Summer Semester (May 2025) and the position will remain open until filled.