How innate immunity in birds dictates susceptibility to avian influenza

This project aims to understand how innate immune signalling dictates whether different bird species will tolerate or succumb to viral infection. Highly pathogenic avian influenza virus (HPAIV) threatens Australian livestock industries and wild animal populations. Innate immune responses need to restrict viral replication without causing tissue damage. This project will reveal how innate immune signalling differs between HPAIV-susceptible (chicken) and tolerant (duck) species.

Here you will use innate immune cells (macrophages) from chickens and ducks and compare how they respond to infection with avian flu. You will use cutting-edge techniques including CRISPR/Cas9, mass spectrometry and imaging to identify the innate immune signalling pathways activated during flu infection. Finally, you will use comparative genomics and molecular cloning to identify the molecular differences between chicken and duck innate immune signalling genes.

With this knowledge, we can identify new approaches for boosting avian immunity to prevent HPAIV emergence, thereby protecting both domestic and wild animals. We will also be able to develop new ways to predict the risk of HPAIV decimating our wild bird populations so that we can best manage HPAIV outbreaks.

The Institute for Molecular Bioscience has outstanding facilities for this research, including PC3 level laboratories, and world-class microscopy equipment. 

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 virology, innate immunity, and bird genomics would be of benefit to someone working on this project.

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

A background or knowledge of bioinformatics, and virology is highly desirable.

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

1. Check your eligibility for the Doctor of Philosophy (PhD).
2. Prepare your documentation.
3. Contact Dr Larisa Labzin (l.labzin@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