Photodynamic therapy for periodontal disease in companion animals

Periodontal disease is one of the major indications for companion animals presenting to veterinary hospitals. Animals with periodontal disease are frequently treated with systemically administered antibiotics including those that are critically important to human health, contributing to the problem of antimicrobial resistance (AMR). 

Working with Invion Pty Ltd, an Australian company developing a new generation of photodynamic therapies (PDT), this project will further investigate and evaluate PDT compounds and explore ways in which the novel therapy can be applied to companion animals. 

This project will address the need for effective locally administered therapies and follow good antimicrobial stewardship principles by reducing overall antibiotic use whilst also protecting gut microbiota associated with systemic treatment.

The ARC Training Centre for Environmental and Agricultural Solutions to Antimicrobial Resistance (CEA StAR) is a collaboration between The University of Queensland, University of Adelaide and industry partners to develop innovative solutions to reduce antimicrobial resistance (AMR) and its impact. Research is funded through the Australian Research Council's Industrial Transformation Research Program.

The successful applicant will be based at  QAAFI's Dutton Park campus and have a 12-month  industry placement. They will also have the opportunity to complete significant training at the University of Adelaide and have access to world-class research facilities, funding opportunities for national and international conferences, and specialised training and development.

The successful applicant will have the opportunity to manage and lead an industry-driven research project with real-world applications.

This project is supported by the Research project scholarship.

Learn more about the Research project 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 molecular biology, characterisation and evaluation (microbiology) would be of benefit to someone working on this project.

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

A background or knowledge of antimicrobial resistance, antimicrobial susceptibility assays, animal infection models, assay optimisation, in vitro study execution and reporting is highly desirable.

To be considered for this scholarship, please email the following documents to the Centre Manager (cea-star@uq.edu.au):

• Cover letter including responding to the following selection criteria:
  • Demonstrated research capability through thesis work and/or practical laboratory experience.
  • Well-developed communication and interpersonal skills.
  • Willingness and enthusiasm for working in multidisciplinary teams and environments, including industry partners.
  • Demonstrated ability to work independently and be self-motivated to complete research to a high standard.
• CV
• Academic transcript/s
• Evidence for meeting UQ's English language proficiency requirements eg TOEFL, IELTS

Please note the following: Submitting the above documents does not constitute a full application for admission into The University of Queensland's PhD program. If you are selected as the preferred applicant, you will then be invited to submit a full application for admission. You can familiarise yourself with the documents required for this process on the UQ Study website.