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Cell villages to uncover and target genetic drivers of ALS/MND

Project summary

Program
PhD
Location
St Lucia
Research area
Biological sciences, Biomedical and clinical sciences

Project description

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis/motor neurone disease (ALS/MND) remains without effective treatment. The therapies that do exist were built on genetic drivers that occur in only a small subset of patients, leaving the majority of people with the disease without a targeted option.

Extending this genetics-first approach across the whole patient population is complicated by heterogeneity. ALS/MND varies widely in site of onset, rate of progression and underlying biology, so distinguishing genuine disease drivers from background variation requires far more patient-derived lines than conventional cell models can practically accommodate.

This project addresses that bottleneck using stem cell villages, a platform already established in our laboratory, in which motor neurons from large numbers of patients are cultured and assayed together in a single dish. Pooling lines removes the batch effects that confound line-by-line comparisons, increases statistical power, and substantially reduce

Research environment

The successful candidate will be embedded in the exceptional research environment at the Institute for Molecular Bioscience at The University of Queensland. The Context-dependent Genetics Lab led by Dr Drew Neavin provides a rich , supportive lab ensuring effective mentorship and training. The trainee will receive training in stem cell culture, motor neuron differentiations, high content imaging, molecular biology, and computational analyses providing a strong foundation for future careers across research and industry.

Scholarship

This is an Fellowship support scheme scholarship project that aligns with a recently awarded Australian Government grant.

The scholarship includes:

  • living stipend of $39,220 per annum tax free (2026 rate), indexed annually
  • your tuition fees covered.

Learn more about the Fellowship support scheme scholarship.

Supervisor

Preferred educational background

Your application will be assessed on a competitive basis.

We take into account your:

  • previous academic record
  • publication record
  • honours and awards
  • employment history.

A working knowledge of cell culture, especially with induced pluripotent stem cells would be of benefit to someone working on this project.

You will demonstrate academic achievement in the fields of stem cell modelling and neurodegeneration and the potential for scholastic success.

A background or knowledge of microscopy and/or neural differentiations is highly desirable.

How to apply

This project requires candidates to commence no later than Research Quarter 4, 2027. You can start in an earlier research quarter.

You must submit an expression of interest (EOI) by the closing date for the research quarter (RQ) you want to start in:

  • RQ 1 (January): 30 September
  • RQ 2 (April): 31 December
  • RQ 3 (July): 31 March
  • RQ 4 (October): 30 June.
  • RQ 1 (January): 30 June
  • RQ 2 (April): 30 September
  • RQ 3 (July): 31 December
  • RQ 4 (October): 31 March.

Before you apply

  1. Check your eligibility for the Doctor of Philosophy (PhD).
  2. Prepare your documentation.
  3. If you have any questions about whether the project is suitable for your research interests, contact Dr Drew Neavin (d.neavin@uq.edu.au).

When you apply

To apply, submit an expression of interest (EOI) for the program. You don't need to apply separately for the project or scholarship. How to submit an EOI

In your EOI, complete the 'Scholarship/Sponsorship' section with the following details:

  1. Are you applying for an advertised project: 'Yes'
  2. Project: 'Fellowship project scholarship'
  3. Scholarship Code Listed in the Advertisement: CELL-PALPANT
  4. Link to Scholarship Advertisement: https://study.uq.edu.au/study-options/phd-mphil-professional-doctorate/projects/cell-villages-uncover-and-target-genetic-drivers-als-mnd

Submit an EOI

This project is not available to international students

Do you have questions?

The Graduate Research School is here to help.

Contact us