PhD 2

Validation of improved protocols for bovine oocyte/ovarian tissue cryopreservation

Location: Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Norwegian University of Life Sciences (NMBU), Norway

Main Supervisor: Prof. Anette Krogenæs, E-mail: anette.krogenaes@nmbu.no

Participating researchers: Dr. Amin Sayyari (NMBU), Dr. Jaana Peippo (NordGen)

Objectives:

  1. Develop improved methods for vitrification and storage of bovine oocytes and ovarian tissues. Studies performed in collaboration with Geno SA – the Norwegian Red Cattle Breeders Association

  2. Characterize molecular and functional changes including epigenetic effects on oocytes and ovarian tissues due to cryopreservation

  3. Validate success rate by in vitro fertilization of cryopreserved oocytes and embryo transfer of cryopreserved embryos at The Livestock Production Research Centre (SHF), NMBU

Expected Results:

  1. Establish vitrification protocols for the successful cryopreservation of bovine oocytes and ovarian tissues and confirm viability after cryopreserevation

  2. Implement the methods in the breeding programme of Norwegian Red Cattle

  3. Developed protocols will assist in the conservation of native cow breeds.

Planned secondments:  (Host, Supervisor, timing, length, and purpose)

  1. NordGen, Jaanaa Peippo, M10, 2 M, Implement techniques for cryopreservation of oocytes from valuable, native cow breeds

  2. LLS Rowiak, Stolze, M18, 1 M, advanced histological analysis for examination of cryodamage in oocytes and embryos

  3. INIAV, Pereira, M20, 3 M, characterize epigenetic modifications in oocytes after cryopreservation

Enrollment in Doctoral Degree: Yes (NMBU)

How to apply: Applications must be sent through the University's Web Recruitment System (JobbNorge). Please click the ‘Apply for this job’ button.