Reproductive Genomics in Thoroughbred Horses
PhD Scholarship
Investigating the role of the LY49B gene in early embryo loss in thoroughbred horses
We are seeking a motivated PhD candidate to investigate the role of the LY49B gene in early embryo loss in Thoroughbred horses.
This AgriFutures-funded project addresses a major challenge for the Australian breeding industry: unexplained early pregnancy failures that may be linked to a highly prevalent recessive genetic variant.
The project will focus on two integrated aims:
- Profiling the LY49B gene in the Australian Thoroughbred population through large-scale genomic analysis.
- Assessing the biological impact of LY49B on embryo development and embryo–maternal communication, using advanced reproductive biology techniques such as oocyte collection, ICSI, and embryo–endometrial organoid co-culture.
The student will be enrolled at the University of Newcastle under the primary supervision of A/Prof Zamira Gibb and will spend significant time at the University of Sydney under the supervision of Dr Brandon Velie for advanced training in equine genomics.
Prerequisites: Applicants must hold an undergraduate degree in animal, veterinary, or biological sciences (or a related field), plus Honours or Masters qualifications in a relevant discipline. Experience with both reproduction and genomics is desirable, and substantial hands-on experience with horses and the equine industry, and a valid driver’s licence is essential.
Scholarship: A PhD stipend is attached to this project; however, preference will be given to applicants who already hold a Research Training Program (RTP) scholarship or bring their own stipend.
PhD Scholarship details
Funding:
$37,440 per annum (2025 rate) indexed annually. For a PhD candidate, the living allowance scholarship and tuition fee scholarship are for 3.5 years. Scholarships also include up to $1,500 relocation allowance and Overseas Student Health Cover at single rate, for an international candidate.
The scholarship will be offered to the successful candidate subject to the grant/funding being fully established.
Affiliated Institutes- HMRI and AgriFutures
Supervisor: Zamira Gibb, Brandon Velie (USyd), Aleona Swegen and John Schjenken
Available to: Domestic students
PhD
Eligibility Criteria
The applicant will need to meet the minimum eligibility criteria for admission.
Application Procedure
Interested applicants should send an email expressing their interest along with scanned copies of their academic transcripts, CV, a brief statement of their research interests and a proposal that specifically links them to the research project.
Please send the email expressing interest to zamira.gibb@newcastle.edu.au by 5pm on 20 October 2025.
Applications Close 20 October 2025 Apply Now
- Contact: Zamira Gibb
- Phone: +61 2 49215637
- Email: zamira.gibb@newcastle.edu.au
The University of Newcastle acknowledges the traditional custodians of the lands within our footprint areas: Awabakal, Darkinjung, Biripai, Worimi, Wonnarua, and Eora Nations. We also pay respect to the wisdom of our Elders past and present.