CURRENT VACANCIES AND OPPORTUNITIES
The Gasser laboratory is eager to develop new and exciting collaborations with interested partners and support graduate and postdoctoral research projects as well as sabbatical programs.
Opportunities exists in our group for highly motivated scientists and students with experience in molecular biology, and/or bioinformatics, biochemistry, parasitology and/or microbiology, to undertake research in parasite genomics and genetics within the framework of currently funded projects.
Postgraduate PhD or Master projects
WATER CATCHMENT SOURCES OF ZOONOTIC PATHOGENS
An exciting opportunity exists in our group for a high calibre student wanting to undertake MSc or PhD to investigate the molecular epidemiology of potentially zoonotic pathogens in animals in water catchment areas supplying the city of Melbourne, Victoria. The research will focus on the development and use of mutation scanning and other molecular tools, will involve field-work and will provide opportunities for developing a career in infectious diseases. Prior experience in the use of molecular methods, such as the genomic DNA isolation, polymerase chain reaction, gel electrophoresis and DNA sequencing, would be advantageous.
DISCOVERY AND VALIDATION OF NOVEL DRUG TARGETS IN PARASITES OF ECONOMIC IMPORTANCE
The livestock industries are worth billions of dollars a year, but the many parasites of animals cause substantial losses to producers, the industries and the economy due to the diseases they cause. The control of economically important parasites of livestock has relied largely on the use of chemical compounds (anthelmintics), but their excessive and uncontrolled use has led to serious drug resistance problems in parasites, such that many treatments are no longer effective. There is a need to develop new compounds. This interdisciplinary project provides the opportunity for chemists and parasitologists to work together to develop new anti-parasite compounds. An opportunity exists for a high calibre student wanting to undertake MSc or PhD.
GENOMIC DATA INTEGRATION FOR THE EXPLORATION OF KEY MOLECULAR PATHWAYS IN PARASITES OF MAJOR SOCIOECONOMIC IMPORTANCE
Given the emerging problems with controlling parasites of animals and the unique opportunities and prospects that modern technologies offer, the present project will exploit genomic and bioinformatic technologies in an integrated way to explore crucial biological pathways in parasitic nematodes of major socio-economic importance. An improved understanding of parasites and their relationship with their hosts at the molecular level will lead to improved strategies for treating neglected parasitic disease of humans and animals, focused on decreased socio-economic losses, improved productivity and reduced human and animal suffering. An opportunity exists for a high calibre student wanting to undertake MSc or PhD.
Contact: Applicants can make contact with Professor Robin Gasser email: robinbg@unimelb.edu.au, or
Dr Aaron Jex, email: ajex@unimelb.edu.au.
Department of Veterinary Science, The University of Melbourne.
Research projects: http://www.vet.unimelb.edu.au/news/parasitology.html