Researcher working on the development of a novel Alcelaphine herpes virus 1 vaccine, dossier updates for OBPs viral vaccine product portfolio, and development of molecular QC methods for downstream product analysis.

Research interests include recombinant vaccine design for orbiviral diseases using pox virus vectored vaccine platforms, and molecular characterization studies on bluetongue and other orbiviruses.

Peter Coetzee obtained a BSc (cum laude) in 2002, a BSc Honours (cum laude) in 2003 and an MSc in Microbiology (cum laude) in 2005 from the University of Pretoria. He completed his PhD thesis in Microbiology at the Norwegian University of Life Sciences, Department of Production Animal Clinical Sciences in 2014, with a project entitled “Bluetongue virus: experimental studies on viral phenotype, reassortment and transplacental transmission” He is currently employed as a post doctoral fellow in the Department of Veterinary Tropical Diseases at the Faculty of Veterinary Science at Onderstepoort, Pretoria.Research interestsSome of his interests include the molecular biology, epidemiology and host-vector-pathogen interaction of emerging animal viruses. His current research focuses on the use of reverse genetics, reassortment and site-directed mutagenesis to investigate the molecular determinants that influence the phenotype of bluetongue virus in different in vitro and in vivo models.Research projectBluetongue virus: experimental studies on viral phenotype, reassortment and transplacental transmission.

Intratypic differentiation and molecular characterization of Polio virus isolates circulating in sub-Saharan Africa- Receiving and labeling of isolates;- Intratypic differentiation of Polio virus isolates by PCR, real-time RT-PCR and ELISA;- Sequencing of wild type Polio virus isolates using Sanger sequencing;- Reviewing results from other staff;- Reporting of results;- Entering information into the lab data base (PMOL_DB);- Monitoring of laboratory stock;- Collecting quotes and ordering equipment and consumables;- Calibration, maintenance and arrangement for servicing of laboratory equipment;- Monitoring of temperatures on temperature dependent equipment;- Validation of test procedures;- Writing and reviewing of standard operating procedures (SOPs); - Training of new staff and visitors;- Representing the lab in organisational meetings; - Assisting with general accreditation requirements for the South African National Auditing Services (SANAS)