Emerging viruses at the animal-human-environment interface

About the Project

Live animal markets are key interfaces for zoonotic spillover, where viruses circulate between animals and humans. This PhD will investigate the prevalence, evolution, and transmission dynamics of emerging viruses, including avian influenza and coronaviruses, using integrated wet-lab and bioinformatic approaches.

Live -animal markets (LAMs) provide inhabitants with animal-source foods, but also undoubtingly act as a perfect interface for virus exchange with a high risk of cross-species transmission to humans. Several earlier virus outbreaks have been linked to LAMs including avian influenza virus (AIV) and severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). Hence, we aim to study the prevalence, investigate transmission dynamics and identify reservoirs and transmission bridges of emerging viruses with special emphasis on AIV and CoV.

This project will span over a period of four years and comprises integrated bioinformatic and lab-based studies including risk modelling as well as diagnosis and metagenomics of samples from LAMs. In addition, the project aims to estimate virus evolution and transmission dynamics of those viruses using a wide range of bioinformatic tools.

Guidance will be provided on research design, methodology, and career development over the project period. Regular meetings, and follow-up sessions will be held weekly. The student will have access to modern laboratories, databases, and software specific to the research project. The interdisciplinary approach combining in silico and in vitro studies will equip the student with a competitive set of skills that is highly sought after in both academia and industry.

Supervisors

The project will be conducted at the university of Liverpool main campus in collaboration with University of Helsinki. The supervisory team consisting of a mix of scientific expertise spanning basic virology and public health ensuring the student will be supported from multiple perspectives and will be provided essential guidance to perform the proposed project.

Dr. Mahmoud Naguib

Prof. Johanna Lindahl

Funding notes

We welcome applications from candidates with secured funding and offer flexible, rolling start dates throughout the year. Further information on funding opportunities can be found on the University webpage.

Previous knowledge in diagnosis and/or genomics techniques will be advantageous. For applicants whose first language is not English, an IELTS score of 6.5 with no band score lower than 5.5, or an equivalent University of Liverpool acceptable English language qualification. For further details and other acceptable English language qualifications please see here: http://www.liv.ac.uk/study/international/countries/english-language/

Potential applicants are encouraged to contact the Principal Supervisor(s) by email for further information.