A One Health approach to vitamin D biofortification in pork

Summary

The PhD project addresses public health challenges related to vitamin D deficiency through novel biofortification processes with a strong focus on animal welfare. Biofortification, the process of enhancing food nutritional content through agronomic methods, offers a natural solution to nutrient deficiencies in populations.

Vitamin D is important for bone health and the immune system, yet many populations don’t have sufficient levels in their diets. Our prior research has demonstrated that vitamin D levels in pork can be increased through novel biofortification methods, such as UVB irradiation of swine. Research to date has demonstrated that increasing vitamin D status of livestock may improve bone strength and immunity; therefore, it is essential to investigate how UVB irradiation of swine impacts animal welfare.

Building on ongoing research within the agri-food nutrition and consumer innovation team, this project seeks to validate novel biofortification processes within the sustainable food systems. By addressing both nutrition and animal welfare, we seek to global efforts for food security, sustainable farming, and ethical practices in raising livestock emphasizing the One Health approach. The PhD will utilise a range of research methods including, systematic literature review, animal and/or human intervention trial(s), and, biochemical analysis.

The PhD researcher will benefit from extensive training opportunities as part of the interdisciplinary project team, including workshops, specialized skills courses, and personal development activities offered by the Doctoral College. Additionally, the PhD candidate will be encouraged to present their findings at conferences, contributing to the knowledge base surrounding vitamin D biofortification and animal welfare standards.

Important Information: Applications for more than one PhD studentship are welcome, however if you apply for more than one PhD project within Biomedical Sciences, your first application on the system will be deemed your first-choice preference and further applications will be ordered based on the sequential time of submission. If you are successfully shortlisted, you will be interviewed only on your first-choice application and ranked accordingly. Those ranked highest will be offered a PhD studentship. In the situation where you are ranked highly and your first-choice project is already allocated to someone who was ranked higher than you, you may be offered your 2nd or 3rd choice project depending on the availability of this project.

Essential criteria

Applicants should hold, or expect to obtain, a First or Upper Second Class Honours Degree in a subject relevant to the proposed area of study.

We may also consider applications from those who hold equivalent qualifications, for example, a Lower Second Class Honours Degree plus a Master’s Degree with Distinction.

In exceptional circumstances, the University may consider a portfolio of evidence from applicants who have appropriate professional experience which is equivalent to the learning outcomes of an Honours degree in lieu of academic qualifications.

• Sound understanding of subject area as evidenced by a comprehensive research proposal
• A comprehensive and articulate personal statement

Desirable Criteria

If the University receives a large number of applicants for the project, the following desirable criteria may be applied to shortlist applicants for interview.

• First Class Honours (1st) Degree
• Completion of Masters at a level equivalent to commendation or distinction at Ulster
• Practice-based research experience and/or dissemination
• Experience using research methods or other approaches relevant to the subject domain
• Work experience relevant to the proposed project
• Publications record appropriate to career stage
• Experience of presentation of research findings

Equal Opportunities

The University is an equal opportunities employer and welcomes applicants from all sections of the community, particularly from those with disabilities.

Appointment will be made on merit.

Funding and eligibility

This project is funded by:

• Department for the Economy (DfE)
• Vice Chancellor's Research Scholarship (VCRS)

Our fully funded PhD scholarships will cover tuition fees and provide a maintenance allowance of £19,237 (tbc) per annum for three years (subject to satisfactory academic performance).  A Research Training Support Grant (RTSG) of £900 per annum is also available.

These scholarships, funded via the Department for the Economy (DfE) and the Vice Chancellor’s Research Scholarships (VCRS), are open to applicants worldwide, regardless of residency or domicile.

Applicants who already hold a doctoral degree or who have been registered on a programme of research leading to the award of a doctoral degree on a full-time basis for more than one year (or part-time equivalent) are NOT eligible to apply for an award.

Due consideration should be given to financing your studies.