Developing the toolbox of compounds that target acid-sensing proteins

Extracellular pH is a dynamic and ubiquitous signal with many cell types robustly responding to acidification. Acid-sensing ion channels (ASICs) are the primary pH sensor in bilaterian animals and are activated by mild acidification to induce cellular excitability. Genetic ablation, or pharmacological manipulation, has shown ASICs to be implicated in neurotransmission, mechanosensation, and pain sensing pathways. There are at least six ASIC subtypes, and the relevance of each subtype to the myriad of stipulated physiological and pathological roles has remained unclear. To address this gap in knowledge, it is critical to thoroughly understand the pharmacology of known ASIC modulators. Furthermore, there is a severe lack of potent and selective molecules targeting several ASIC subtypes. This project aims to both expand and characterise the toolbox of ligands available for research to advance knowledge on the function of these important pH sensing channels.
You will employ biochemical techniques, structural biology (NMR), and electrophysiological approaches towards this goal. You will have the opportunity to explore cutting-edge technologies for design of bioactive proteins to fight human diseases or environmental pests.

The project will be undertaken at the Australian Institute for Bioengineering and Nanotechnology (AIBN), UQ. The AIBN was established in 2003 as Australia's first fully integrated institute focusing on multidisciplinary research at the interface of bioengineering and nanotechnology. The AIBN has a range of state-of-the-art equipment and facilities for conducting the proposed research of production and biophysical characterisation of peptide and protein compounds. Within the AIBN, the Centre for Advanced Imaging (CAI), bringing together a critical mass of “state-of-the-art” research imaging instruments.

This is an Earmarked scholarship project that aligns with a recently awarded Australian Government grant.

The scholarship includes:

• living stipend of $35,000 per annum tax free (2024 rate), indexed annually
• your tuition fees covered
• single overseas student health cover (OSHC).

Learn more about the Earmarked scholarship.

You must contact the principal supervisor for this project to discuss your interest. You should only complete the online application after you have reached agreement on supervision.

Always make sure you are approaching your potential supervisor in a professional way. We have provided some guidelines for you on how to contact a supervisor.

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 biophysics, pharmacology, and peptide/protein structure and function would be of benefit to someone working on this project.

You will demonstrate academic achievement in the field(s) of biochemistry, molecular biology, biotechnology and the potential for scholastic success.

A background or knowledge of protein purification, structural biology (NMR), and electrophysiology is highly desirable.

This project requires candidates to commence no later than Research Quarter 2, 2025. To allow time for your application to be processed, we recommend applying no later than 31 December, 2024 30 September, 2024.

You can start in an earlier research quarter. See application dates.

Before you apply

1. Check your eligibility for the Doctor of Philosophy (PhD).
2. Prepare your documentation.
3. Contact Dr Ben Cristofori-Armstrong (b.cristoforiarmstrong@uq.edu.au) to discuss your interest and suitability.

When you apply

You apply for this scholarship when you submit an application for a PhD. You don’t need to submit a separate scholarship application.

In your application ensure that under the ‘Scholarships and collaborative study’ section you select:

• My higher degree is not collaborative
• I am applying for, or have been awarded a scholarship or sponsorship
• UQ Earmarked Scholarship type.

Apply now