The PhD project is part of a overarching CRC project lead by SARDI’s Dr Mark Geier.

Dr Geier’s project, Identification of microbial and gut-related factors driving bird performance, includes collaborators from SARDI in South Australia, the University of Adelaide, the University of New England in Armidale, CSIRO’s Australian Animal Health Laboratory in Geelong and the Ohio State University.

“The successful applicant will be provided with a unique opportunity to study multiple aspects of the gut environment of broiler chickens in order to improve our understanding of key host-microbial interactions that may be associated with bird performance,” explained Dr Geier. “In addition, as a Poultry CRC post-graduate student you also have the opportunity to learn about all areas of the Australian poultry industry, both meat and egg production; which, as a former CRC post-graduate, I found extremely valuable and one that enriched my postgraduate experience.”

A Poultry CRC PhD scholarship of $30,000 per annum, tax free, is available with this project. Applicants must be Australian citizens or permanent residents and provide their academic record with their application.