Application of breath analysis for animal performance monitoring 

An opportunity to apply for a funded full-time PhD in the Faculty of Health and Applied Sciences, UWE Bristol. This is a joint studentship with Hartpury University. See the Hartpury website for further details and application process.

The expected start date of this studentship is 1 October 2022
The closing date for applications is 26 June 2022.

The aim of this project is to apply breath analysis technology from human science to monitor animal performance. The University of West of England, Bristol (UWE Bristol) are at the forefront of global breath research having published the first compendium of Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) making up the human volatilome.

This project is a collaboration between Hartpury University and UWE Bristol to trial gas sensors for use breathalysing cattle and horses at Hartpury. Hartpury has about 250 cows and 250 horses on site. The research explore approaches for breath sampling animals and variability in breath compounds associated with animal performance. Compared to human breath analysis there has been limited studies undertaken on animals to date.

The objectives of the work are to:

1. To review existing technology and approaches used to measure breath compounds.
2. To test sampling approaches across animals.
3. To monitor changes in breath components and explore associations with health, wellbeing and physiological state.

For an informal discussion about the studentship, please email ben.delacycostello@uwe.ac.uk or matt.bell@hartpury.ac.uk

The studentship is available from 1 October 2022 for a period of three years, subject to satisfactory progress and includes a tax-exempt stipend, which is currently £16,602 per annum.

In addition, full-time tuition fees will be covered for up to three years.

The following criteria will be taken into account when considering applications:

• The strength of your professional and academic profile, as demonstrated through previous study and/or professional experience
• The quality, invention and viability of ideas relating to the research project you are applying for
• The contribution you are able to make to the Hartpury and UWE Bristol research communities and universities, in terms of both research and teaching

Candidates should also be aware of the following:

The normal expectation is that applicants will hold at least a 2:1 or a Masters qualification from a UK university or a degree of comparable standing from a university outside the UK. The candidate’s degree relevant to the studentship should demonstrate their potential for practice-led research or alternative evidence of research aptitude.

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

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

• A curriculum vitae (maximum 3 pages)
• Copies of academic transcripts
• A covering letter outlining your suitability for the studentship
• A recent piece of critical writing you have completed (max 3000 words)
• If English is not your first language, certification of English language qualification.

The closing date for applications is 26 June 2022.

Interviews will take place on 4 July 2022. If you have not heard from us by 30 June 2022, we thank you for your application but on this occasion you have not been successful.