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Mechanobiology and Molecular Drivers of Colon Cancer in 3D Organoid Models

Project summary

Program
PhD
Location
St Lucia
Research area
Biological sciences, Biomedical and clinical sciences, Health sciences

Project description

This PhD project will use advanced 3D organoid models, molecular engineering, and quantitative live-cell microscopy to uncover how mechanical and molecular cues drive colon cancer initiation, growth, and progression.

Research environment

The Institute for Molecular Bioscience (IMB) provides a world-class research environment with cutting-edge infrastructure and facilities. It hosts nationally and internationally funded programs spanning cell biology, mechanobiology, immunology, in vivo disease models and structural biology, fostering multidisciplinary collaboration and innovation.

Scholarship

This project is supported by the Research project scholarship.

This scholarship includes:

  • living stipend of $36,400 per annum tax free (2025 rate), indexed annually
  • tuition fees covered.

This scholarship includes:

  • living stipend of $36,400 per annum tax free (2025 rate), indexed annually
  • tuition fees covered.
  • single overseas student health cover (OSHC)
    ​​​

Learn more about the Research project scholarship.

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 molecular biology, cell and cancer biology and biochemistry would be of benefit to someone working on this project.

You will demonstrate academic achievement in the fields of cell and molecular biology and the potential for scholastic success.

A background or knowledge of cancer biology (specifically epithelial tissue cancers), mechanobiology and stem cell biology is highly desirable.

How to apply

You must submit an expression of interest (EOI) by 5 December, 2025 5 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 Dr Robert Ju (R.ju@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: MECHANOBIOLOGY-JU
  4. Link to Scholarship Advertisement: https://study.uq.edu.au/study-options/phd-mphil-professional-doctorate/projects/mechanobiology-and-molecular-drivers-colon-cancer-3d-organoid-models

Submit an EOI

Do you have questions?

The Graduate School is here to help.

Contact us