First Nations perspectives: Curse and cure of deadly venoms

Australia is home to some of the world’s most venomous animals and plants. While bites and stings are rarely fatal, they can cause severe and long-lasting health effects, particularly for people in rural and remote communities. At the same time, venoms contain highly specialised bioactive molecules that represent an extraordinary and largely untapped source of new therapeutics. The key to unlocking these discoveries may lie within the Traditional Knowledges of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.

The Deadly Venom Project works in partnership with First Nations communities to understand Traditional Knowledge and management of envenomation, which will inform the development of venom-derived molecules for drug discovery.

You will:
-- build partnerships with First Nations communities
-- establish protocols for mutually beneficial knowledge exchange about venoms and treatments.

Eligibility

Strong preference will be given to First Nations candidates.
 

Dr Miles, a proud Yuwi man, will train and mentor you within the outstanding academic environment of the School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, based at The University of Queensland's Dutton Park campus.

You will work within a world-class research environment with access to state-of-the-art facilities and collaborative networks across biomedical, clinical, and translational science disciplines

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 background in community engagement and Traditional Knowledges would be of benefit to someone working on this project.

You will demonstrate academic achievement and the potential for scholastic success.

A background or knowledge of biomedical science, pharmacology, biochemistry, molecular biology, or related disciplines is highly desirable.

You must submit an expression of interest (EOI) by 30 June, 2026 25 December, 2030.

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 Jared Miles (j.miles1@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: VENOMS-MILES
4. Link to Scholarship Advertisement: https://study.uq.edu.au/study-options/phd-mphil-professional-doctorate/projects/first-nations-perspectives-curse-and-cure-deadly-venoms

Submit an EOI