Section for epidemiology at the National Veterinary Institute is seeking a candidate to fill a PhD position on modeling intramammary infections (IMI = mastitis) in Danish dairy cattle herds. IMI are considered the most frequent and costly disease for the dairy sector in the developed world. The project is focusing on the development of a herd- and cow-specific decision support tool that should be used to advise farmers on the control and prevention of IMI in Danish dairy cattle herds. The candidate should further develop an existing model that estimates the future value of the cows (RPO = retention pay off), by including extra information on the cow level such as e.g. genetics. Thereafter, the candidate should further develop an existing simulation model by modeling IMI and then integrate the estimated RPO values within the model, in order to include the value of the cow when decisions on treatment with antimicrobials or culling are to be made. The PhD project is part of a larger project (STOPMAST) that includes colleagues from Copenhagen University, Aarhus University and SEGES (formerly the Danish Cattle Federation). Thus the candidate will have the chance to cooperate with other colleagues within the project.

Responsibilities and tasks 
The candidate will have the following primary tasks:

1. Adapt an existing model to estimate the future value of a cow;
2. Adapt an existing simulation model to model the spread of IMI and integrate the tool from the previous task;
3. Investigate optimal control and prevention strategies of IMI taking into account herd and cow level factors.

Qualifications
The candidate is expected to have:

1. A master degree or an equivalent training in veterinary epidemiology, engineering, theoretical biology, animal sciences, physics or mathematics.
2. Knowledge in simulation modeling or programming using R.
3. Knowledge of dairy production systems will be an advantage.
4. Knowledge of animal health economics will be an advantage.
5. Good collaboration skills.
6. The ability to work organized, structured and independently.
7. Fluency in English.

Approval and Enrolment 
The scholarships for the PhD degree are subject to academic approval, and the candidates will be enrolled in one of the general degree programmes of DTU. For information about the general requirements for enrolment and the general planning of the scholarship studies, please see the DTU PhD Guide.

Assessment
The assessment of the applicants will be made by Senior Researcher Tariq Halasa and Professor Nils Toft.

We offer
We offer an interesting and challenging job in an international environment focusing on education, research, public-sector consultancy and innovation, which contribute to enhancing the economy and improving social welfare. We strive for academic excellence, collegial respect and freedom tempered by responsibility. The Technical University of Denmark (DTU) is a leading technical university in northern Europe and benchmarks with the best universities in the world.

Salary and appointment terms
The salary and appointment terms are consistent with the current rules for PhD degree students. The period of employment is 3 years.

The workplace is Bülowsvej 27, 1870 Frederiksberg C.

Further information 
Further information may be obtained from senior researcher Tariq Halasa, +45 3588 6102 or on +45 3070 9439 (email: tahbh<στο>vet.dtu.dk) or the section leader Professor Nils Toft, +45 3588 6127.

Please do not send applications to this e-mail address, instead apply online as described below.

You can read more about the National Veterinary Institute on www.vet.dtu.dk

Application
Please submit your online application no later than 15 April 2015.

Applications must be submitted as one pdf file containing all materials to be given consideration. To apply, please open the link "Apply online," fill in the online application form, and attach all your materials in English in one pdf file. The file must include:

• A letter motivating the application (cover letter)
• Curriculum vitae
• Grade transcripts and BSc/MSc diploma (an official translation into English)
• Excel sheet with translation of grades to the Danish grading system (see guidelines and excel spreadsheet here)

Candidates may apply prior to obtaining their master's degree, but cannot begin before having received it.

All interested candidates irrespective of age, gender, race, disability, religion or ethnic background are encouraged to apply.

Further Information

Application Deadline : 15 April 2015

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