The ideal candidate will have (or expect) a first class or upper-second class honours degree (or international equivalent) in Animal/ Veterinary Science or Biology, with strong interests in mathematical modelling applied to animals. Strong background in either animal metabolism or nutrition or biological modelling, and a relevant postgraduate qualification would be an advantage.
Overview
This is a collaborative project between the School of Agriculture, Food and Rural Development of Newcastle University and AB Vista the world’s leading producer of micro-ingredients for animal feeds, funded by BBSRC and KTN Biosciences.
The exciting studentship aims to develop a predictive tool (simulation model) able to predict the digestion and metabolism of two of the most important macro-minerals in pig feeds: Calcium and Phosphorus. Digestion of these minerals depends on feed ingredients, but recent advances in feed technology, such as the development of novel enzymes and feed processing, overcomes some of the previous constraints on their use. The project will account for the interactions between the two macro-minerals, and their interactions with exogenous enzymes and other feed ingredients in the digestive tract of pigs. In order to achieve this, the project will utilize novel data generated by its collaborators, both in the EU and the US, perform experiments to address these interactions, and ultimately bring all this information together in a simulation model that predicts the performance of growing pigs under different management scenarios. The predictive tool should be able to be used to maximise pig performance and health, whilst minimising their impact to the environment.
The project is suitable for a candidate with a background in nutrition and metabolism and be motivated to develop skills in data management and mining, or have a background in applied mathematics and be interested in applying these to biological processes. The collaboration with the Industry offers first hand opportunity to experience research in a commercial setting. The post holder will develop skills both in classical nutrition and metabolism, but also novel skills in data mining, mathematical modelling and feed technology.
Study information
- Start month:
- October 2016
Funding information
- Funding applies to:
- Other: see Funding notes
- Funding notes:
- 100%
tuition fees at the UK/EU rate for the duration of your PhD and an
annual stipend of £14,057 (plus £2500 Industrial enhancement).
You will only be eligible for the full funding if you meet the residency requirements outlined by the BBSRC. Students from EU countries who do not meet the residency requirements may still be eligible for a fees-only award. Applicants who are classed as International for tuition fees are not eligible for funding.
Contacts and how to apply
- Academic contact:
- For further details, please contact Professor Ilias Kyriazakis, email: ilias.kyriazakis@newcastle.ac.uk tel:
0191 208 6859.
- Administrative contact and how to apply:
- You must apply through the University’s online postgraduate application form. Only mandatory fields need to be completed. However, you will need to include the following information:
- insert the programme code 8010F in the programme of study section
- select "PhD – Agriculture, Food and Rural Development - Animal Science” as the programme of study
- insert the studentship code AG029 in the studentship/partnership reference field
- attach a covering letter and CV. The covering letter must state the title of the studentship, quote reference code AG029 and state how your interests and experience relate to the project
- attach degree transcripts and certificates and, if English is not your first language, a copy of your English language qualifications
You should also email a copy of your CV and covering letter, quoting the relevant reference number, direct to Professor Ilias Kyriazakis, ilias.kyriazakis@newcastle.ac.uk
Reference code: AG029
Closing date: 27 November 2015, prompt application is strongly advised
Supervisors: Professor Ilias Kyriazakis, School of Agriculture, Food and Rural Development
Sponsor: BBSRC, KTN, AB Vista
Duration of the award: 4 years
- Application deadline:
- 27 November 2015
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