The International Livestock Research Institute seeks to recruit a PhD graduate fellow to work on investigating the role of vaccines in reducing antimicrobial use in poultry production in Uganda. The successful fellow will be hosted by the Animal and human health program at ILRI.
ILRI works to improve food and nutritional security and reduce poverty in developing countries through research for efficient, safe and sustainable use of livestock. It is the only one of 15 CGIAR research centers (https://www.cgiar.org/) dedicated entirely to animal agriculture research for the developing world. Co-hosted by Kenya and Ethiopia, it has regional or country offices in East, South and Southern Asia as well as Central, East, Southern and West Africa.
The Animal and human health program seeks to effectively manage or eliminate livestock, zoonotic and food-borne diseases that matter to the poor through the generation and use of knowledge, technologies and products, leading to higher farmer incomes and better health and nutrition for consumers and livestock. https://www.ilri.org/research/programs/animal-and-human-health
The poultry industry in Uganda plays a vital role in food security and economic development. However, the misuse and overuse of antimicrobials in poultry production has raised significant concerns regarding the development of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in both animals and humans.
Vaccines play a crucial role in addressing AMR. They are designed to prevent infectious diseases thereby reducing the incidence of infections and help decrease the over-use of antimicrobials. When vaccination programs are successful, there is less reliance on antimicrobials for treatment and/or prophylaxis. This reduction in antimicrobial use helps slow the development and spread of AMR. Vaccination is often a cost-effective intervention compared to the ongoing costs associated with treating infectious diseases and managing AMR. However, there are several challenges associated with vaccine usage in poultry production. Vaccine supply is a major change in many LMICs. Furthermore, many vaccines require proper storage and transportation in a controlled temperature range. Maintaining the cold chain is critical to ensure vaccine efficacy, and deviations from the recommended temperature can lead to their failure. Proper vaccine administration is essential, and this includes correct dosage, route of administration, and timing, with health animals in good condition, and high coverage often needed to achieve herd immunity effects. Mistakes during vaccination can result in poor immunity. Lastly, effective biosecurity measures are essential to prevent disease introduction and spread within a poultry facility. Inadequate biosecurity practices with high levels of pathogen exposure can undermine the effectiveness of vaccination efforts.
We are seeking a highly motivated and talented PhD Graduate candidate to join our research team to investigate the effectiveness, cost-effectiveness, and potential impact of vaccines in reducing antimicrobial usage in the poultry sector in Uganda. This fellowship is supported by the CGIAR One Health initiative https://www.ilri.org/research/facilities/cgiar-antimicrobial-resistance-hub and in collaboration with SAPLING https://www.cgiar.org/initiative/sustainable-animal-productivity/.
Terms and References of the fellow
- Collaborate with supervisors, to design and develop a PhD research proposal that outlines the objectives, methodology, and expected outcomes of the PhD study.
- Conduct fieldwork in poultry farms in Uganda to collect data on poultry health, vaccination practices, antimicrobial usage, and production outcomes.
- Collect and analyze serum samples to assess vaccine efficacy and evaluate the impact on poultry health and productivity.
- Utilize statistical tools to analyze the data, interpret findings, and draw meaningful conclusions from the study in terms of epidemiological and economic outcomes.
- Prepare reports, publications, and conference presentations to share the results of the study with the scientific community and relevant stakeholders.
- Collaborate with local farmers, veterinarians, and government agencies to ensure the relevance and applicability of research findings to the Uganda’s poultry industry.
- Participate in mentorship and assist in supervising undergraduate and post-graduate students or research assistants.
- Effectively manage project timelines, budgets, and resources allocated to the study.
Minimum requirements for the ideal candidate
- Must have a BVM or DVM, with an MSc in Veterinary Science, Veterinary Public Health, Veterinary Epidemiology or related MSc.
- Demonstrated experience in conducting research related to poultry production and antimicrobial resistance, including study design, data collection, analysis, and interpretation. Analogous experience in other livestock sectors may be considered.
- Experience in laboratory techniques, data analysis software (e.g., R, SPSS), and statistical analysis is essential.
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills, and a proven publication track record
- Strong interpersonal skills to collaborate effectively with team members, farmers, and stakeholders.
- Self-motivated and proactive, with the ability to work independently and take the lead in research activities.
Location: ILRI, Uganda (with field travel within the country and selected priority countries and some travel abroad for fulfilment of PhD requirements at the University of Copenhagen, Denmark).
Duration: 3 Years.
Terms of appointment and stipend: ILRI will offer a competitive stipend to cover living expenses in the project location, medical cover, air ticket, university tuition costs and research expenses. The successful candidate will be supervised jointly by an ILRI scientist and the university/academic supervisor at the Department of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Denmark.
Applications should be made to the Director, People and Organizational Development through our recruitment portal http://ilri.simplicant.com/ on or before 23/01/2024. The position title and reference number ILRI PhD GF/AHH-AMR/01/2024 should be clearly marked on the subject line of the cover letter.
We thank all applicants for their interest in working for ILRI. Due to the volume of applications, only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.
ILRI does not charge a fee at any stage of the recruitment process (application, interview meeting, processing or training). ILRI also does not concern itself with information on applicants’ bank accounts.
Source : ILRI, 2023
