Project summary
- Program
- PhD
- Location
- St Lucia
- Research area
- Biomedical and clinical sciences
Project description
Clinical interest in extracellular vesicles (EVs) has heightened as accumulating evidence underscores their significance in intercellular communication. Small EVs, or exosomes, are constitutively secreted lipid bilayer vesicles across cell lineages, ranging from 30 to 150 nm in size. These vesicles contain a diverse molecular cargo comprising proteins, lipids, various RNA species (mRNA, miRNA, lncRNA), and DNA molecules (dsDNA, ssDNA, mtDNA). Consequently, EVs have emerged as potential biomarkers, offering prospects for monitoring cancer progression and serving as targets for therapeutic interventions. Notably, cancer-derived small EVs (sEVs) are detectable in a range of bodily fluids, including blood, urine, mucus, and bronchial fluids, thereby rendering them exploitable in liquid biopsy approaches.
The aim of this project is to develop a multiplexed nanotechnology platform for sEV phenotyping in patients with brain cancer. Based on sEV phenotypes, this technology could be potentially utilised for diagnosing brain metastases and monitoring primary brain cancer progression to improve patient outcomes.
Research environment
This multidisciplinary PhD project will be undertaken within the Australian Institute for Bioengineering and Nanotechnology (AIBN) at UQ and its affiliated institutes and centres, specifically the Australian National Fabrication Facility (ANFF, Queensland Node) and Centre for Microscopy, Microanalysis (CMM). AIBN has created a world-class environment for nanotechnology and bioengineering researchers (>400 alone at AIBN), making the AIBN and UQ the ideal place to conduct the proposed research in an efficient manner to ensure success. The proposed approach includes device microfabrication, nanotechnology, exosomes, cell and protein engineering, and molecular biology, all of which the AIBN has state-of-the-art characterisation facilities to support
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
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 Molecular and cellular biology, biochemistry, cell culture or protein engineering would be of benefit to someone working on this project.
You will demonstrate academic achievement in the field(s) of molecular biology and biochemistry and the potential for scholastic success.
A background or knowledge of neuroscience 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 Richard Lobb (richard.lobb@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.