Download Teagasc PhD Walsh Fellowship

TEAGASC PHD WALSH FELLOWSHIP OPPORTUNITY
“Screening for dietary whey proteins that impede weight
gain by altering absorption of nutrients through the gut”
Ref Walsh Fellowship Number 2016007
Background
Obesity is a growing economic and health problem, as it increases the risk of development of several
clinical conditions including diabetes. Whey proteins, a by-product of cheese manufacture, are
increasing being considered as dietary solutions to the obesity problem.
We have established that intake of whey protein isolate (WPI), the protein rich form of whey, reduced
intestinal size including its weight, and altered the composition of the gut microbiota important for
extraction of energy from ingested food. This indicated a reduced nutrient absorption through the
intestine, which appear to underlie how WPI reduced weight gain.
Since WPI is a mixture of different whey proteins including lactoferrin and alpha-lactalbumin, in this
project, we aim to screen for whey proteins or their combination that provided the bioactivity for WPI,
which we anticipate will be more efficacious than WPI.
The protein fractions of interest will be tested for bioactivity using both in vitro and preclinical in vivo
studies, with underlying mechanisms established by measurement of the impact on intestinal cellular
activity and associated gut microbiota. This work will pave the way for creation of novel class of antiobesity food products.
Requirements
Applicants should have or expected to obtain a First or Upper Second Class Honours BSc. degree or
M.Sc. Degree in Biology, Nutrition, Physiology, Microbiology or related discipline. The successful
candidate should be highly self-motivated with enthusiasm to undertake in vitro and preclinical in vivo
work.
Award
The PhD Fellowship is a joint research project between Teagasc and University College Cork (UCC),
Ireland, involving Dr. Kanishka Nilaweera, Dr Paul Cotter (Teagasc) and Prof. John F. Cryan (UCC).
The Fellowship will start as soon as possible after 1st of October 2016.
The fellowship provides a stipend of €22,000. University fees are paid by the student from the stipend
which is tenable for 4 years.
Further Information can be obtained from
Dr Kanishka Nilaweera, Teagasc Food Research Centre, Moorepark, Fermoy, County Cork, Republic of
Ireland. Phone +353 (0)25 42674; email: [email protected]
Application Procedure
Submit an electronic copy of Curriculum Vitae and a letter of interest simultaneously to:
Dr Kanishka Nilaweera ([email protected] ) and Prof John F. Cryan ([email protected] ).
Closing date
15th of April 2016.