Expression of therapeutic peptides in plants

The aim of the project is to produce peptide-based drugs in plants as novel 'biofactories'. This is significant because peptides are viewed as exciting new-generation drugs that are potentially safer and more effective than traditional 'small molecule' drugs. Plants offer the possibility of producing these drugs in a sustainable, eco-friendly way, avoiding harsh chemicals and solvents used in traditional drug manufacture. Expected outcomes are (i) engineered plants custom-designed for peptide production, (ii) peptide drugs suitable for plant-based production and (iii) proof of concept that these designer peptides can be produced in a host plant. Anticipated benefits are economic (from future potential products) and environmental (from sustainable manufacture).

We wish to recruit a highly motivated student to conduct the plant molecular biology aspect of the project. Students with an interest in plant molecular farming are particularly encouraged to apply.

The research will be done in the IMB, which houses state-of-the-art research infrastructure and dedicated support staff for administration, equipment maintenance and postgraduate student assistance. I envisage no difficulty in accessing all the necessary equipment for the required experiments including plant molecular biology facilities, automated peptide synthesizers, incubators, shakers, chromatography systems, mass spectrometry facilities, and high-resolution NMR spectroscopy. Dedicated plant growth rooms are available at IMB, and we have an excellent ongoing with Phyllome, an industry partner on this project. Protein expression bioreactors and expression characterisation equipment are also available at IMB and extensive large-scale production systems are available in the Protein Expression Facility at AIBN.

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.

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, plant molecular biology, and chemistry would be of benefit to someone working on this project.

You will demonstrate academic achievement in the field/s of chemistry, and biology and the potential for scholastic success.

A background or knowledge of plant molecular biology is highly desirable.

This project requires candidates to commence no later than Research Quarter 3, 2025. To allow time for your application to be processed, we recommend applying no later than 31 March, 2025 31 December, 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 Professor David Craik (d.craik@imb.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