RVC Supervisor(s): Dr Eduard Roos

Non-RVC Supervisor: Dr Irene Nobeli (Birkbeck, School of Natural Sciences)

Department: Pathobiology and Population Sciences

Background, aims and objectives:

Tuberculosis (TB), caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex (MTBC) organisms, presents a significant zoonotic risk, affecting human health, wildlife, and domestic animals. Non-human primates (NHPs) in captivity, such as those in zoological collections and sanctuaries, are at particular risk. The close genetic and environmental proximity between NHPs and humans elevates the potential for zoonotic transmission. However, current diagnostic efforts lack standardisation, often leading to unreliable results, which can have critical consequences for both animal and public health.

This PhD project will apply a One Health approach to TB diagnosis in captive NHP populations, aiming to:

• Evaluate current TB diagnostic tools for their effectiveness in zoological settings.
• Develop and validate diagnostic assays, including cell-mediated immune (CMI) assays and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) tests, for improved detection of both active and latent TB.
• Investigate potential zoonotic transmission pathways between NHPs and human populations.
• Establish an evidence-based Best Practice diagnostic pathway for TB surveillance, integrating public health and conservation needs.

The student will receive interdisciplinary training across molecular diagnostics, bioinformatics, and One Health research. They will be based at the Royal Veterinary College (RVC) with additional training in bioinformatics at Birkbeck, University of London. The project offers opportunities for fieldwork, diagnostic development, and engagement with international conservation and public health organisations.

References

1. Bernitz, N., Kerr, T.J., Goosen, W.J., Chileshe, J., Higgitt, R.L., Roos, E.O., Meiring, C., Gumbo, R., De Waal, C. and Clarke, C. (2021). Review of diagnostic tests for detection of Mycobacterium bovis infection in South African wildlife. Frontiers in Veterinary Science 8, 588697.
2. Bushmitz, M., Lecu, A., Verreck, F., Preussing, E., Rensing, S., Mätz-Rensing, K. and Health, o.t.E.-T.W.G.o.N.-h.P. (2009). Guidelines for the prevention and control of tuberculosis in non-human primates: Recommendations of the European Primate Veterinary Association Working Group on Tuberculosis. Journal of Medical Primatology 38 (1), 59-69.
3. Ghielmetti, G., Loubser, J., Kerr, T.J., Stuber, T., Thacker, T., Martin, L.C., O'Hare, M.A., Mhlophe, S.K., Okunola, A., Loxton, A.G., Warren, R.M., Moseley, M.H., Miller, M.A. and Goosen, W.J. (2023). Advancing animal tuberculosis surveillance using culture-independent long-read whole-genome sequencing. Frontiers in Microbiology 14.
4. Meesawat, S., Aiempichitkijkarn, N., Warit, S., Kaewparuehaschai, M. and Malaivijitnond, S. (2023). Non-invasive specimen collections for Mycobacterium tuberculosis detection in free-ranging long-tailed macaques (Macaca fascicularis). PLOS ONE 18 (8), e0289961.

Requirements

Essential:

• Background in veterinary science, molecular biology, bioinformatics, or related disciplines   
• Experience in laboratory-based diagnostic assays
• Interest in zoonotic diseases, One Health, and wildlife conservation.

Desirable:

• Be a veterinarian 
• Experience in fieldwork involving wildlife
• Previous work in tuberculosis diagnostics

Fees and Funding

This is a 3-year fully-funded studentship, funded by the Bloomsbury Colleges. This funding covers 'Home' rate tuition fees and a stipend. 

The studentship will commence in October 2025 at the RVC's Hawkshead campus.

This studentship is open to applicants eligible for "Home" fees. International applicants are welcome to apply but must be able to fund the difference between "Home" and "Overseas" tuition fees. 

EU/EEA and Swiss national students starting studies in the 2021/22 academic year or later academic years may no longer be eligible to pay the “home” rate of tuition fees nor claim any financial support for their studies dependent on your personal circumstances (including immigration status and residence history in the UK). To help determine whether you would be eligible for home fees please see the UKCISA's 'Who pays 'home' fees for higher education in England?' guide found here.

If you are interested in applying for this PhD project, please follow the link below.  Please use your personal statement to demonstrate any previous skills or experience you have in using both qualitative and quantitative research methods.

How to Apply

For more information on the application process and English Language requirements see How to Apply.

Interviews are expected to take place in person at our Camden campus or remotely in the afternoon of Thursday 27th March 2025.

We welcome informal enquiries - these should be directed to Dr Eduard Roos: eroos@rvc.ac.uk

Deadline: 12/02/2025