Expression of therapeutic peptides in plants

One element of this project is the design of therapeutic peptides in the areas of oncology, pain or cholesterol. This is significant because peptides are viewed as exciting new generation drugs that are potentially safer and more effective than traditional 'small molecule' drugs.

A downstream component could be the production of these drugs in plants. Plants offer the possibility of producing these drugs in a sustainable, eco-friendly way, avoiding harsh chemicals and solvents used in traditional drug manufacture. Anticipated benefits are economic (from future potential products) and environmental (from sustainable manufacture). For this aspect, we wish to recruit a highly motivated student to conduct the plant molecular biology part 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 partnership 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 biochemistry, 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 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

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 Professor David Craik (d.craik@imb.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: 'Fellowship project scholarship'
3. Scholarship Code Listed in the Advertisement: CRAIK-300125
4. Link to Scholarship Advertisement: https://study.uq.edu.au/study-options/phd-mphil-professional-doctorate/projects/expression-therapeutic-peptides-plants

Submit an EOI