Project summary
- Program
- PhD
- Location
- ST Lucia
- Research area
- Biological sciences, Chemical sciences
Project description
The development of effective cancer treatments hinges on the ability to specifically recognise cancer cells and differentiate them from healthy cells. This project aims to solve the problem of a lack of specificity and stability of many existing diagnostic and therapeutic agents. It expects to generate next-generation peptides that strike the perfect balance between target binding and drug-like properties, laying the foundation for future commercialisation.
The selected candidate will have the exciting and unique opportunity to engage in research at the academic-industry interface, gaining expertise across the entire early-stage drug design process. This will set the candidate up for future career pathways in biotechnology.
A typical project involves leveraging protein structures to create innovate drugs. Candidates gain experience in computational design tools or molecular libraries to quickly screen a vast number of potential drug leads. Subsequently, the characterization of structure and activity occurs through biophysical, biochemical, and/or biological assays
Research environment
The University of Queensland’s Institute for Molecular Bioscience (IMB), located on the main University campus, is Australia’s leading biosciences research institute. Established in 2000, the Institute is home to over 420 staff and is located in thriving Brisbane, a city consistently ranked as one of the world’s most vibrant and liveable cities.
The Institute, ranked in the Top 20 globally for life sciences research, pursues a multidisciplinary approach to solving some of the world’s most serious challenges in the fields of health, disease and sustainable solutions for our cities, fuels and foods.
The research will be hosted in the Wang Tech3D (Technology-driven drug discovery) group, in collaboration with the Craik Lab at IMB.
Scholarship
This is an Earmarked scholarship project that aligns with a recently awarded Australian Government grant.
The scholarship includes:
- living stipend of $35,000 per annum tax free (2024 rate), indexed annually
- your tuition fees covered
- single overseas student health cover (OSHC).
Learn more about the Earmarked scholarship.
Supervisor
Principal supervisor
You must contact the principal supervisor for this project to discuss your interest. You should only complete the online application after you have reached agreement on supervision.
Always make sure you are approaching your potential supervisor in a professional way. We have provided some guidelines for you on how to contact a 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 protein structure and function and protein-protein interactions would be of benefit to someone working on this project. As well as knowledge of molecular cloning, protein expression and purification, computational structural biology, and/or nanotechnology.
You will demonstrate academic achievement in the field(s) of molecular biology and the potential for scholastic success.
A background or knowledge of biochemistry is highly desirable.
Top-up opportunities might be available for a suitable candidate.
How to apply
This project requires candidates to commence no later than Research Quarter 2, 2025. To allow time for your application to be processed, we recommend applying no later than 31 December, 2024 30 September, 2024.
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 Conan Wang (c.wang@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.