Development of a technology to enhance dendritic cell-targeted mRNA vaccine delivery

The goal of this project is to develop a bispecific antibody (BsAb) technology to enhance targeted delivery of mRNA vaccines to dendritic cells (DCs) to improve vaccine efficacy and customise immune responses. 

It is anticipated that BsAb targeting of mRNA vaccines to DCs will improve vaccine efficacy compared to untargeted approaches by enhancing the first step of the immune response and duration of that response for the treatment of infectious diseases aligned with the Sanofi Translational Science Hub (TSH). 

The targeting of different DC subsets will customise immune responses to mRNA vaccines with cDC1 cell mediated and cDC2 humoral based immune responses. 

The targeting of mRNA vaccines is important, given the off-targeting effects of current non-targeted vaccines leads to sub optimal immune responses, vaccine side effects and the requirement for higher doses and vaccine boosters. 

A specific focus of the PhD project will be studying the uptake mechanisms of BsAb-LNPs vs untargeted LNPs in DCs, looking at a range of DC receptors on cDC1 and cDC2 subsets. 

You will be based at the AIBN and will have access to various facilities and equipment for the project. 

This includes access to equipment for: 

1. protein production, purification and analytics
2. cell culture, flow cytometry and microscopy facilities. 

You will also be provided access to the National Biologics Facility (NBF) for protein bio-manufacture, analytics and molecular discovery-based projects.

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 molecular biology, protein bioengineering, immunology, cell culture, flow cytometry, and/or mRNA would be of benefit to someone working on this project.

You will demonstrate academic achievement in the fields of biotechnology, biochemistry, and/or genetics and the potential for scholastic success.

A background or knowledge of mRNA, protein bioengineering, protein targeting technologies, DC immunology, and/or small animal work is highly desirable.

You must submit an expression of interest (EOI) by 13 August, 2026 13 August, 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 Dr Christopher Howard (c.howard2@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: DENDRITIC-HOWARD
4. Link to Scholarship Advertisement: https://study.uq.edu.au/study-options/phd-mphil-professional-doctorate/projects/development-technology-enhance-dendritic-cell-targeted-mrna-vaccine-delivery

Submit an EOI