Province: Queensland
Description:
Research Higher Degree Student Opportunity
University of Queensland – Saint Lucia QLD
Full time
Job no:498250
Area:Institute for Molecular Bioscience
Salary (FTE):Research Scholar BAND
Work type:Full Time – Fixed Term, Full Time – Scholarship
Location: St Lucia, Brisbane
A position for a Master of Philosophy (MPhil) or Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) student is available for outstanding and enthusiastic students with an interest in peptides, anticancer research, drug delivery, cell membrane interactions, molecular biophysics and structural biology. The position is available in Prof David Craik’s laboratory at the Institute for Molecular Bioscience (http://www.imb.uq.edu.au/david-craik). This project will involve the design of peptides as novel therapeutics and include mode of action studies. Cultured cells, model membranes, biochemical, biophysical and structural elucidation techniques will be employed.
The University of Queensland’s Institute for Molecular Bioscience is a leading global research institute. IMB was established in 2000 as UQ’s first research institute and is the cornerstone of one of the largest bioscience research precincts in Australia. The Institute’s 500 scientists, support staff and postgraduate students from more than 40 countries are working to improve quality of life for all. IMB has three major divisions and four research centres. IMB’s multidisciplinary research programs focus on advancing medical genomics, drug discovery and biotechnology. By investigating the basis of growth and development at the genetic, molecular, cellular and organ level, our researchers aim to better understand the development processes and pathways involved in human and animal health and disease. They also work to translate these findings into diagnostics, technologies and therapeutics to more effectively prevent, detect and treat disease.
IMB is equipped with state-of-the-art research infrastructure including mouse and zebrafish facilities, advanced imaging and genomics platforms, high-throughput sequencing, advanced bioinformatics and proteomics all of which support the Institute’s leading life sciences research. Details of the research interests of the Institute may be accessed on the Institute’s website at: http://www.imb.uq.edu.au
The role
We are seeking dynamic, intelligent, highly motivated student to join the project:
Development of peptide-based scaffolds for cancer targets. We aim to develop a new generation of anti-cancer drugs by using ultra-stable cyclic peptide scaffolds to deliver bioactive sequences inside cells to modulate cancer pathways. The candidate will be involved in the design and elucidation of the mode-of-action of cyclic peptides, with ability to penetrate cancer cells and modulate intracellular targets. We are specifically interested in peptides with ability to cross cell membranes and to target intracellular proteins that are involved in melanoma and leukaemia, but this project will be part of a larger program to develop a platform technology that would be broadly applicable to a wide range of cancers.
This is a multidisciplinary project and will suit MPhil or PhD candidates interested in both developing peptides as therapeutics and being exposed to cutting edge biophysical techniques in one of Australia’s premier structural biology facilities.
The Candidate
Both Australian and international applicants are welcome to apply. Candidates should have a First Class Honours Degree or Master Degree (or equivalent) in biology, biophysics, chemistry, biochemistry or a related discipline. Experience with mammalian cell culture, flow cytometry, surface plasmon resonance, model membranes, peptide-lipid interactions, peptide synthesis and bioassays in plate format is desirable. Strong academic performance, good oral and written communication skills, and published output will be additional assessment criteria.
Applicants must be eligible to enrol in a RHD with the University of Queensland. For a complete list of the University of Queensland’s minimum entry requirements please refer to: http://www.uq.edu.au/education/research-higher-degrees
Scholarship and Remuneration
The successful candidate will be offered a stipend scholarship, equivalent in value to the Australian Postgraduate Award (APA) (AUD$26,288 per annum in 2016, indexed annually, tax-free) for the duration of the MPhil (1.5 years) or PhD (3 years) with the possibility of a further six months extension, pending satisfactory progress. Australian students will be provided with assistance to apply for an APA. International students will be supported to apply for a UQ-International scholarship, and will be provided assistance to apply for a tuition fee waiver. For further information on scholarships please refer to http://www.uq.edu.au/grad-school/scholarships-and-fees .
Award of the scholarship will be conditional upon the applicant applying for and obtaining an unconditional offer for entry to the MPhil or PhD program at UQ, under the supervision of members of Prof Craik’s laboratory and being assessed in the next available UQ scholarship round.
Enquiries and Application
For queries please contact Dr Sónia Henriques via email: s.henriques@imb.uq.edu.au
For application, please submit a cover letter and a full CV.
Advertised: 17 Nov 2015
Applications close: 27 Nov 2015 (11:55 PM) E. Australia Standard Time
about 6 hours ago –
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