Systems neuroscience approaches to the developing neocortex

Brain halves become wired during development following molecular and neural activity-dependent rules of symmetry. Using advanced methods in high-throughput gene expression analyses, live imaging of neural activity, and connectivity mapping in a marsupial model of early brain patterning, this ARC Future Fellowship aims to unravel new generative principles of mammalian brain circuit formation. Expected outcomes include innovative ways to manipulate brain wiring, and to functionally link mechanistic knowledge of complex trait formation across levels of biological organisation.

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

Learn more about the Fellowship support scheme scholarship.

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.

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 computational approaches to complex biology, including but not limited to systems neuroscience, electrophysiology and live microscopy would be of benefit to someone working on this project.

You will demonstrate academic achievement in the fields of neuroscience, computer science and the potential for scholastic success.

A background or knowledge of software development is highly desirable.

This project requires candidates to commence no later than Research Quarter 3, 2026. To allow time for your application to be processed, we recommend applying no later than 31 March, 2026 31 December, 2025.

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 Rodrigo Suarez (r.suarez@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