in Australia*
*James Cook University, Townsville, Queensland, Australia*
Outbreak Investigations in Australian Wildlife
An outbreak investigation approach has been fundamental and essential in
determining the cause of many population declines. The cause of enigmatic
amphibian declines remained unsolved for 20 years (from 1978-1998, Berger
et al 1998 PNAS) until an outbreak investigation approach began in 1996
(Laurance et al 1996 CB).
There has been a sudden, rapid and catastrophic decline of brush-tailed
bettongs or woylies,* Bettongia pencillata*, in southern Western Australia
and widespread declines of small mammals in the Top End of the Northern
Territory and Kimberley region of Western Australia in recent years (Wayne
et al 2013 Oryx, Woinarski et al 2011 CL). These declines remain
undiagnosed and ultimately unresolved resulting in an increased threat of
species extinction.
The One Health Research Group at JCU have funds to conduct prospective and
retrospective outbreak investigations for these declines and other declines
that have occurred in Australia including those due to chytridiomycosis and
Tasmanian devil facial tumour disease. The project initially involves
epidemiological analyses with the potential to expand into other discipline
areas depending on research findings. The PhD candidate will be able to
pursue their own areas of interest within this framework. The project is
multidisciplinary and involves collaborators such as the WA Department of
Parks of Wildlife and WWF-Australia. The outcomes of the project are likely
to lead to improved conservation of Australian wildlife and advances in the
fields of wildlife epidemiology and management. The PhD graduate will
achieve competencies that will enable them to fulfil a number of roles such
as managing a wildlife health research or wildlife health biosecurity
program.
The One Health Research Group investigates the causes and control of
infectious diseases in wildlife that impact biodiversity, human health and
domestic animal health. For more information please see
http://www.jcu.edu.au/phtmrs/abc/JCU_107907.html
The selected applicant would need to apply for a PhD scholarship
(Australian residents and citizens only, due 31 Oct to commence in 2015;
International Students, to commence in 2016). Please see
http://www.jcu.edu.au/grs/scholarships/index.htm
Ideal PhD candidates will have:
1. 1st class honours or equivalent research credentials in a relevant
discipline such as veterinary science or zoology majoring in epidemiology
or ecology, 2. Knowledge of wildlife diseases, 3. Demonstrated publication
record in international scientific journals, and 4. Demonstrated
interpersonal and communication skills.
Please send CV, cover letter and 2 reference letters by Sept 30th to or for
further information please contact Lee.Skerratt@jcu.edu.au .
Thank you, hope to hear from you soon.
Dr. Lee Skerratt
One Health Research Group
School of Public Health, Tropical Medicine
James Cook University
Townsville, QLD 4810
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