Pipelines to model immune signalling networks in barrier tissue protection

Mucosal surfaces regulate host-environment interactions, with bioinformatics revealing the complex crosstalk between epithelial cells, immune components, and the microbiome. Multi-omics analyses link barrier disruptions to disease, while computational models highlight their role in pathogen entry. However, the regulatory networks governing barrier function remain poorly understood. Leveraging transcriptomic and metagenomic profiling offers new insights into these mechanisms and potential therapeutic targets.

This project combines wet lab and bioinformatics approaches to model epithelial-immune and epithelial-stromal interactions. Using omics sequencing, organoid co-culture systems, and animal models, the candidate will explore epithelial cell communication under diverse conditions, uncovering key immune signalling hubs.

Belz Laboratory

The successful candidate will join a dynamic and interdisciplinary research team in a supportive academic environment. Our team is a highly collaborative and passionate group of scientists and students with diverse backgrounds. We have expertise in state-of-the-art imaging, multi-dimensional flow cytometry and mucosal immunology. We provide a unique, collaborative environment and opportunity to develop diverse skill-sets and make impactful discoveries.

Tuong Laboratory

The successful candidate will also receive co-supervision in bioinformatics to achieve the research goals. The team is comprised of a diverse group of computer scientists and computational biologists that are actively developing analysis methods in R and Python for single-cell and immune repertoire analyses. We collaborate closely with the Belz lab to use data-driven approaches to discover new biology of immune cells.

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

You should have a strong background in immunology, cell biology, bioinformatics or a related field, with experience in laboratory research. 

Enthusiasm for innovation, collaboration and tackling questions to make a change for the future is essential.

Before you apply

Before submitting an application you should:

1. check your eligibility for a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)
2. prepare your documentation
3. contact Professor Gabrielle Belz (g.belz@uq.edu.au) to discuss your interest and suitability
4. submit your application by 12 March, 2025 12 March, 2025.

When you apply

You apply for this scholarship when you submit an application for your program. 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'
• ‘Other’, then ‘Research Project Scholarship’ and in the ‘Name of scholarship’ field enter BARRIER TISSUE-BELZ.

Apply now