Development of next-generation stem-cell models for immune differentiation and function

Most immune cells used in research come from blood donors, making them variable and limited in supply. Induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) offer a renewable, donor-free alternative that can be turned into human immune cells.

You will focus on developing reliable ways to grow functional T cells from iPSCs, a process that remains a major challenge in the field. The student will refine the conditions that guide stem cells toward the T cell pathway and test how well the resulting cells perform.

You will gain hands-on training in stem cell culture, immunology and cell engineering within an experienced, collaborative team, working on a project with strong potential for immunotherapy, vaccine and infection research.

This project will be based in Associate Professor Fernando Guimaraes's laboratory at the UQ Frazer Institute, within the Translational Research Institute (TRI) in Brisbane.

The Frazer Institute is a leading medical research institute focused on cancer, immunology and infection, with close links between scientists and clinicians. Its home at TRI provides state of the art shared facilities the project will use, including PC2 stem cell and cell culture laboratories, advanced flow cytometry and cell sorting, genomics and imaging, and on site mRNA and lipid nanoparticle production.

The Guimaraes laboratory is an internationally recognised group in immune cell biology and next generation immunotherapies, with established expertise in generating immune cells from stem cells.

You will join a collaborative, well resourced team and gain hands on training in stem cell culture, immunology and cell engineering.

This project is supported by the Research project scholarship.

Learn more about the Research project scholarship.

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, stem cell biology and immunology would be of benefit to someone working on this project.

You will demonstrate academic achievement in the fields of biomedical science, immunology or cell biology and the potential for scholastic success.

A background or knowledge of stem cell culture, immunology or cell engineering is highly desirable.

Equity criteria

Applications are encouraged from candidates of all backgrounds. We are committed to equity, diversity and inclusion, and welcome applicants who are Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander peoples, people with disability, people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, and those who have experienced educational disadvantage.

You must submit an expression of interest (EOI) by 1 September, 2026 1 September, 2026.

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 Associate Professor Fernando Guimaraes (f.guimaraes@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: 'Research project scholarship'
3. Scholarship Code Listed in the Advertisement: IMMUNE-GUIMARAES
4. Link to Scholarship Advertisement: https://study.uq.edu.au/study-options/phd-mphil-professional-doctorate/projects/development-next-generation-stem-cell-models-immune-differentiation-and-function

Submit an EOI