Unravelling drug resistance: a population genetics investigation of the sheep scab mite, Psoroptes ovis
Supervisors:
Prof James Cotton, University of Glasgow
Dr Jennifer McIntyre, University of Glasgow
Dr Stewart Burgess, Moredun
Summary
How will the student associated with this project graduate with a breadth of skills and experience to equip them to enter the job market? The student will receive training in the technical skills required for the project through working alongside the supervisors and their research groups as a part of this highly collaborative team. This will include parasitological techniques (Sample collection, processing, morphological ID, archiving), molecular biology (DNA extraction, PCR and qPCR, WGS library preparation), population genetics and bioinformatics techniques.
They will also develop skills essential to a diverse range of veterinary field research, including study design, ethics of working with animals and people (GDPR) and how to work with livestock producers (collection of farm management data, knowledge exchange with farmers/vets/industry).
Broader training in research skills are compulsory for PhD students at UoG, for example in Research Integrity, Entrepreneurship, Library and Literature skills, Research Data Management and Career Management and many of these areas are strengthened through training provided by NorthWestBio. PhD students at the UoG also have opportunities to be involved in undergraduate training, developing leadership and teaching skills, and can access further training in these areas.
The student will gain experience in presenting research through regular lab meetings and attendance at national meetings such as the British Society for Parasitology and the British Association of Veterinary Parasitology, and in scientific writing through preparing manuscripts in collaboration with the supervisors.
The student will work with two internationally renowned research organisations, gaining experience of different environments and working alongside people with different interests and skill sets. The student will spend approximately half their time at each of UoG and MRI, as required for the project.