The project:

Cities rely on their river systems to provide multiple benefits to communities, including provision of: drinking water, flood mitigation, cultural traditions, aesthetic appeal and recreational opportunities. However, due care is required; recreational waterborne disease outbreaks are common and can cost communities 100s of million dollars per year. Many of these outbreaks arise from contact with pathogens derived from faecal pollution.

Quantitative Microbial Risk Assessments (QMRA) are applied to attempt to characterise hazards and estimate their associated human health risks associated with recreational water contact. Several QMRAs have determined that bacterial pathogens are a major source of risk to recreational water users, with Campylobacter alone shown to represent a risk of illness per swimming event twice that of protozoa and enteric viruses. However, these studies have assumed the majority of Campylobacter isolated from recreational waters were infective; an assumption which needs verification.

The aims of this project are to apply a multiple lines of evidence approach through the application of whole genome sequencing (WGS), and in vitro assays to define the human health risk of Campylobacter isolated from recreational waters. 

The project will focus on the use of a multi-pronged approach, combining WGS-based genetic typing, toxicity and other in-vitro assays to characterise a subset of Campylobacter collected taken from rivers, animal and clinical sources within Australia. In combination, the results will allow the student to infer potential infectivity and estimate the proportion of infectious Campylobacter within our recreational waters. The data will then be applied by our industry partners, Melbourne Water and the Environmental Protection Authority, to update existing QMRAs to better define human health risks associated with these environments.

The opportunity:

One scholarship is potentially available in the Department of Civil Engineering, Monash University, Clayton Campus. The position would be for 3 years full-time research towards a PhD. A tax-free stipend is provided (roughly $28,000/year). There is potential for the applicants to earn an extra $3,000 (not-tax free) per annum through assistance in undergraduate teaching.

Australian citizens, Australian permanent residents, or New Zealand citizens, are exempt from the full tuition fee costs for the duration of candidature. International students are eligible to apply on the condition the awardees have the ability to meet full tuition fee costs for the duration of candidature.

Attendance at both national and international conferences could be provided during the course of the degree.

The start date is as soon as possible, but must be before February 2017.

Selection Criteria:

1. Bachelor of Science or Biomedical Science degree with H1 Honours (majoring in Microbiology, Chemistry, Biology, Biochemistry or related field)
2. An excellent academic track record, including having published in peer reviewed journals or conferences
3. Outstanding ability to use a range of computer packages. In your application, please provide proof that you have outstanding ability to use word processing, data management tools and statistical programs
4. Current driver’s license and ability to swim (or partake in driving/swimming lessons)
5. Experience or at least interest in working as part of a multi-disciplinary applied research team, including a paired PhD student who will be working on the same project but on slightly different topics.

Applications:

Your application should include:

• Cover letter which specifically outlines how you meet each of the key selection criteria

N.B. applications without this cover letter will not be considered.

• Up-to-date CV; inclusive of employment history and any journal publications and conference attendance

• A copy of your academic transcript

N.B. applications submitted without academic transcripts from all your completed degrees will not be considered.

• Contact details of three referees

Send your application to david.mccarthy@monash.edu

Closing date: 30th September 2016

Enquires:

• A/Prof David McCarthy, Department of Civil Engineering
  • Telephone: 03 9905 5068
  • Email: david.mccarthy@monash.edu
  • Dr Rebekah Henry, Department of Civil Engineering
    • Telephone: 03 9902 9885
    • Email: rebekah.henry@monash.edu