Project summary
- Program
- PhD
- Location
- St Lucia
- Research area
- Biological sciences, Biomedical and clinical sciences, Chemical sciences
Project description
Regulation of the human immune system is a finely balanced process, and any immune dysregulations, even mild chronic inflammation, can have detrimental effects on health and quality of life. This project aims to develop breakthrough biomedical technologies to investigate the origins and temporal development of immune dysregulations in cancer therapy, COVID-19, and tissue damage. Leveraging longitudinal patient cohorts and pre-clinical models, the project will develop and utilise breakthrough biomedical technologies and state-of-the art molecular methods to deepen our understanding of immune dysregulation.
Our interdisciplinary team, led by Dr Alain Wuethrich, is seeking passionate and motivated PhD scholars to join us in unlocking the transformative potential of this technology. Interested students will have the opportunity to learn a variety of skills across a broad set of fields - including biomedical engineering, molecular biology, and clinical sciences.
Research environment
This multidisciplinary PhD project will be undertaken within the Australian Institute for Bioengineering and Nanotechnology (AIBN) in Dr Alain Wuethrich’s Group at UQ and its affiliated institutes and centres, specifically the Australian National Fabrication Facility (ANFF, Queensland Node), Centre for Microscopy, Microanalysis (CMM) and the Centre for Advance Imaging (CAI). AIBN has created a world-class environment for nanotechnology and bioengineering researchers (>400 alone at AIBN), making the AIBN and UQ the ideal place to conduct the proposed research in an efficient manner to ensure success. Because of the breadth of application of this program, the research involves interdisciplinary components that involve biomedical engineering, molecular biology, and immunology.
The Wuethrich Group has a focus on the development of innovative biomedical devices and translational nanotechnologies for diagnostic and biosensing applications. These technologies offer a new window into emerging diseases of major clinical need, aiming at enabling early detection to treat patients more effectively and potentially save millions of lives worldwide
Scholarship
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.
Supervisor
Principal supervisor
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.
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 biotechnology with interest in nanotechnology and microfluidics would be of benefit to someone working on this project.
You will demonstrate academic achievement in the field(s) of biomedical engineering, experience in working in a molecular biology lab and be familiar with standard molecular biology methods such as western blot, immunoprecipitation, silver staining, and ELISA. and the potential for scholastic success.
A background or knowledge of molecular biology is highly desirable.
How to apply
This project requires candidates to commence no later than Research Quarter 1, 2026. To allow time for your application to be processed, we recommend applying no later than 30 September, 2025 30 June, 2025.
You can start in an earlier research quarter. See application dates.
Before you apply
- Check your eligibility for the Doctor of Philosophy (PhD).
- Prepare your documentation.
- Contact Dr Alain Wuethrich (a.wuethrich@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.