Multiplex molecular and serological assay development of Animal and One-Health diseases

Multiplex molecular and serological assay development of Animal and One-Health diseases

Advisor/s

Dr Yazid Abdad, Associate Professor Paul Horwood

College or Research Centre

College of Public Health, Medical & Veterinary Science

Summary of Project

More efficient surveillance tools are needed to reliably detect and characterise diseases that affect animals, and those with zoonotic potential. Animal diseases can have a significant impact on the economy of agricultural communities, indirectly impacting the health of affected residents, and zoonotic diseases are an ever-present threat. More efficient assays will not only cut cost but also allow for a larger panel of diseases to be monitored, thus providing more wide-ranging data to support public and veterinary health policy building, biosecurity measures and pandemic/outbreak preparedness.

The proposed project will aim to develop multiplex assays on platform(s) that can detect and characterise such diseases by serological and molecular principles. The successful candidate will be provided the training on specific platforms and expected to participate actively in the design, conduct and implementation of the assays. Assay comparison to existing “gold standards” and industry norms will be done in the field in countries in the Asia-Pacific region, including Australia.

Key Words

animal diseases; multiplex assays; serological; molecular; microbiology

Would suit an applicant who

has the following essential qualities;

1. Successful in obtaining an Australian postgraduate scholarship
2. A Masters or Honours degree in Microbiology, Biomedical Sciences, Veterinary Sciences or equivalent
3. Able to work internationally (South-East Asia) and vaccinated with required vaccines
4. Demonstrate ability to work in both the field and in the laboratory
5. Able to work well in a team
6. Self-motivated
7. Culturally sensitive

Not essential but desired

1. Strong knowledge of animal and zoonotic diseases
2. Able to demonstrate writing ability (Report, manuscript preparation)
3. Knowledge of biosafety principles and practise
4. Experience working with infectious agents
5. Experience with serological and molecular methods
6. Experience with multiplex platforms such as Luminex

Interested applicants should contact supervisors with a full CV and a cover letter detailing how their past education, professional experience (if any) and personal bearing would suit the project.

1. Dr Yazid Abdad, University of Oxford/James Cook University – yazid@tropmedres.ac
2. Associate Professor Paul Horwood, James Cook University – paul.horwood@jcu.edu.au

Updated: 07 Dec 2021