This project is closed.
Project summary
- Program
- PhD
- Location
- St Lucia
- Research area
- Biomedical and clinical sciences
Project description
This PhD project will develop cutting-edge correlative imaging pipelines that combine fluorescence microscopy, electron microscopy, and NanoSIMS to provide unprecedented multi-scale analysis capabilities for Alzheimer's disease research.
The student will establish standardised Correlative Light Electron Ion Microscopy (CLEIM) workflows that bridge scales from molecular localisation to ultrastructural organisation to elemental/isotopic composition. This foundational infrastructure will directly enable multiple ongoing MIND-AD CRE projects, including C5a-mitochondrial signalling studies, therapeutic antibody delivery tracking, and mitochondrial quality control mechanisms.
Key training opportunities:
- Super-resolution fluorescence microscopy techniques
- Transmission and scanning electron microscopy
- NanoSIMS operation and isotopic analysis
- Correlative workflow development and data integration
- Collaboration with leading neurodegeneration researchers across UQ and UWA
The student will work closely with multiple CRE investigators, gaining exposure to diverse biological systems (neuronal cultures, C. elegans, mouse models) and research questions while developing transferable technical expertise highly valued in both academic and industry settings.
Expected outcomes: Standardised protocols, validated workflows, and high-impact publications demonstrating the power of correlative imaging for understanding neurodegeneration mechanisms.
This scholarship is part of the MIND-AD CRE Scholarship program, which will support three students across its advertised projects. Applicants will be required to submit an online application and attend an interview.
Scholarship
This is an Fellowship support scheme scholarship project that aligns with a recently awarded Australian Government grant.
The scholarship includes:
- living stipend of $36,400 per annum tax free (2025 rate), indexed annually
- your tuition fees covered
- single overseas student health cover (OSHC).
Learn more about the Fellowship support scheme scholarship.
Supervisor
Principal 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 cellular or molecular biology, microscopy and data analysis would be of benefit to someone working on this project.
How to apply
This project requires candidates to commence no later than Research Quarter 2, 2026. 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:
Before you apply
- Check your eligibility for the Doctor of Philosophy (PhD).
- Prepare your documentation.
- If you have any questions about whether the project is suitable for your research interests, contact Dr Pranesh Padmanabhan (p.padmanabhan@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:
- Are you applying for an advertised project: 'Yes'
- Project: 'Fellowship project scholarship'
- Scholarship Code Listed in the Advertisement: PADMANABHAN-110725
- Link to Scholarship Advertisement: https://study.uq.edu.au/study-options/phd-mphil-professional-doctorate/projects/development-cleim-pipeline-multi-scale-analysis-alzheimers-disease-research