Improved understanding of Parkinson’s disease using large-scale multi-omics

Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a complex neurodegenerative condition affecting 1% of Australians aged ≥60-years. There is no cure, and the number of affected individuals is rising steeply as populations age. Understanding the genetic basis of PD is critical to developing new therapeutics to counter the growing disease burden. Large-scale genome-wide association studies (GWAS) of PD have identified nearly 100 risk loci, but interpretation of these findings remains challenging; we do not yet know the identity of most PD risk genes, nor the specific cell types in which they act, nor when they act during the course of disease, which hampers efforts to identify targets for interventions. We will address these challenges by integrating GWAS summary data with single nucleus RNA-seq and spatial transcriptomics to identify novel genes involved in the onset and progression of Lewy body pathology in PD-related brain regions. 

The successful applicant will join a well-resourced and high-performing lab based in the state-of-the-art Translational Research Institute (TRI) in Brisbane, Australia. The project offers an opportunity for training in analysis of large-scale human genomic data, including novel single cell and spatial transcriptomics data generated in post-mortem brain samples from donors with and without Parkinson’s disease. Brisbane is a hub for statistical genomics in the Southern hemisphere, and we maintain close ties with large and active research groups based at the University of Queensland and Queensland Institute of Medical Research Berghofer, each of which are within 20 minutes of TRI. 

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 working knowledge of R statistical computing language and/or python would be of benefit to someone working on this project.

You will demonstrate academic achievement in one or more of the fields of statistics, mathematics, bioinformatics, quantitative genetics, animal breeding or human genomics and the potential for scholastic success.

A background or interest in neurological and/or neurodegenerative disorders is highly desirable.

You must submit an expression of interest (EOI) by 11 December, 2025 11 December, 2025.

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 Jake Gratten (jacob.gratten@mater.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: PARKINSONS-GRATTEN
4. Link to Scholarship Advertisement: https://study.uq.edu.au/study-options/phd-mphil-professional-doctorate/projects/improved-understanding-parkinsons-disease-using-large-scale-multi-omics

Submit an EOI