ILRI PhD Graduate Fellowship: Development Of African Bovine Pluripotent Stem Cell Resources 2024

The International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI) seeks to recruit a PhD graduate fellow to work on the development of African bovine pluripotent stem cell resources. The successful fellow will be hosted by the Centre for Tropical Livestock Genetics and Health (CTLGH) – Livestock Genetics program at ILRI.

Responsibilities of the fellow:

Conduct a literature review on candidate genes for genome editing in tropical cattle.
The de novo establishment of African bovine pluripotent stem cell lines and differentiation potential of the PSC/iPSC.
Assess the gene editing potential of few targeted candidate genes from African bovine PSC/iPSCs.
Derive and establish stable embryonic PSC or iPSC lines of African indigenous cattle breeds with desirable traits.
Characterize derived cell lines against the donor tissues for their stability and biobanking.
Write scientific papers and conference presentations on the results from PhD studies.

Aim and Benefits

ILRI will offer a competitive stipend to cover living expenses, medical insurance cover, and meet research expenses. The successful candidate will be supervised jointly by an ILRI scientist and the university/academic supervisor(s).

Requirements

Minimum requirements

Possess a Master of science in Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART), developmental biology or related disciplines. Preferred undergraduate degree of Veterinary Medicine (BVM) or Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM).
Demonstrate good laboratory experience in animal stem cells derivation, andrology, and In vitro fertilization (IVF).
Proven publication track record in animal stem cells and ARTs.
Ability to work independently in an interdisciplinary research environment, and in multi-cultural, multi-national, multi-disciplinary teams.
Willingness to be based in Kenya full-time throughout the PhD programme with short research stays in priority research countries and at the Roslin Institute, University of Edinburgh, UK.
Experience in livestock fieldwork in developing countries
Experience in general laboratory techniques, including vector construction, quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR).
Good writing skills in preparing reports and manuscripts.

Desirable attributes:

First-hand experience with pluripotent stem cell culture and gene targeting/editing technologies.
Experience in flow cytometry and fluorescence-activated cell sorter (FACS).
Knowledge, skill, and competence in applying molecular tools to analyze cellular phenotypes.
Being a registered veterinary practitioner is an added value.