mRNA cancer vaccines

mRNA vaccines have revolutionized immunotherapy by enabling rapid and scalable production of antigen-specific therapies. This project aims to explore their potential in designing personalized vaccines tailored to individual genetic, immunological, or disease-specific profiles.

The research will encompass:

1. Target Identification and Design:

• Leverage next-generation sequencing and bioinformatics to identify patient-specific antigens or epitopes associated with infectious diseases, cancers, or autoimmune disorders.
• Optimise mRNA sequence design to enhance expression, stability, and immunogenicity.

2. Vaccine Development and Optimisation:

• Develop lipid nanoparticle (LNP)-based delivery systems to ensure efficient cellular uptake and translation of the mRNA.
• Engineer modifications to improve vaccine safety, efficacy, and storage stability.

3. Preclinical Validation:

• Conduct in vitro studies to evaluate the immunogenicity and cellular responses of the vaccines.
• Perform in vivo testing in relevant animal models to assess the safety, efficacy, and durability of immune responses.

Expected Impact:

This project aims to bridge the gap between cutting-edge mRNA technology and personalised medicine, contributing to the development of next-generation vaccines capable of tackling diseases with high variability or immune escape mechanisms. The findings could advance therapeutic options for cancer immunotherapy, emerging infectious diseases, and chronic illnesses, laying the groundwork for tailored healthcare solutions.

This project will take place in the Cheetham lab in close collaboration with the BASE mRNA facility, Australia's leading preclinical mRNA hub. The Cheetham group and BASE are located at the AIBN, a state-of-the-art institute designed to spur research collaboration between nationally funded facilities. AIBN hosts multiple major facilities that will enable this work including BASE, NBF, the Protein Expression Facility (to express antigens for antibody discovery) and QMAP (for proteomic analysis of functional experiments). Additionally, AIBN houses flow cytometry, confocal microscopy and animal facility capabilities necessary for preclinical development.

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 genetics and immunology would be of benefit to someone working on this project.

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

A background or knowledge of mRNA therapeutics is highly desirable.

This project requires candidates to commence no later than Any research quarter. To allow time for your application to be processed, we recommend applying no later than 25 December, 2030 25 December, 2030.

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 Associate Professor Seth Cheetham (s.cheetham@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