Doctoral Studentship (PhD)

Hartpury University and College

Cow and calf saliva-gut microbiome as an indicator of health and wellbeing status

The aim of this project is to study microbial communities along the gastrointestinal tract of dairy calves and cows, and assess their association with health and production performance.

For more information and for an initial discussion please contact Dr Lisa Williams Lisa.Williams2@hartpury.ac.uk

The University of the West of England is the awarding body for this degree.

PhD Studentship Eligibility and Selection Criteria:

To be eligible for the funding, you must either be currently or formerly employed in or about the wholesale or retail sale or delivery to purchasers of milk in the Metropolitan Police area of London in or from premises whereon the principal business carried on is that of the sale or delivery of milk whether wholesale or retail. Or be the spouse, descendant, or dependent of a person who meets the criteria set out in the previous sentence.

The applicant should demonstrate the following criteria in your CV and/or covering letter:

• How you meet the funding eligibility criteria.
• Essential: Undergraduate degree or MSc in a field relating to the project.
• Essential: Strong communication, relationship-building, qualitative research and analytical skills.
• Desirable: Experience of working with others in a research setting or practical experience.

Candidates should also be aware of the following:

The normal expectation is that applicants will hold a 1St or a Masters qualification from a UK university or a degree of comparable standing from a university outside the UK.

Applicants whose first language is not English require a recognised English language qualification. The minimum entry requirement is GCSE English at grade C or above or IELTS score 7.0 or TOEFL score 600 (or demonstrable equivalent).

Applying for a PhD studentship

To apply for a PhD studentship, you must send the following documents RKE.Administrator@hartpury.ac.uk:

• A curriculum vitae (maximum 3 pages)
• Copies of academic transcripts
• A covering letter outlining your suitability for the studentship clearly including how you meet the funding eligibility criteria detailed above
• Your undergraduate or postgraduate dissertation or another relevant piece of research you have completed or contributed to.
• If English is not your first language, certification of English language qualification

Applications that do not arrive by Midnight (UK time) on 1st June 2026 will not be considered.

If your application is selected, you will be invited for interview on Monday 29th June.

All applicants must ensure their availability on this date.