Project summary
- Program
- PhD
- Location
- St Lucia
- Research area
- Biological sciences, Biomedical and clinical sciences, Health sciences
Project description
Genetic testing has become an integral part of healthcare. A genetic diagnosis is often invaluable to an individual for many reasons including medication, screening, family planning and of course lifestyle choices. A genetic diagnosis also has important broader implications for a patient’s blood relatives, who can be offered the option of cascade testing when a positive result is identified in a proband. This project aims to develop a methodology to address the huge disconnect between the rapid establishment of genomic technology and the ability to functionally assess genetic variants. We plan to use a multi-stage pipeline utilizing scalable in vitro, and in vivo assays as a platform to test pathogenicity variants genes related to familial thoracic aortopathy and lipodystrophy.
Research environment
The IMB is a world-class research Institute ranked #1 in Australia by the Nature Index. This project will use state of the art confocal laser scanning microscopes, custom-built zebrafish aquarium facilities and proteomic core infrastructure.
Scholarship
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.
Supervisor
Principal supervisor
Preferred educational background
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 genetics would be of benefit to someone working on this project.
You will demonstrate academic achievement in the field/s of cell biology and genetics and the potential for scholastic success.
A background or knowledge of the zebrafish model is highly desirable.
How to apply
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
- Check your eligibility for the Doctor of Philosophy (PhD).
- Prepare your documentation.
- Contact Dr Tom Hall (thomas.hall@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.