Understanding the cellular mechanisms of venomisation using innovative modelling in zebrafish

Venomous stings and bites can cause severe health problems and even be fatal. You will focus on developing advanced zebrafish models to better understand how venoms affect the body, and how we can design more effective, mechanism-based treatments. Recent studies by the team have identified that zebrafish are uniquely suited for venomisation studies, allowing for the following:

1. Live monitoring of venom effects in the context at the cellular land whole organism level.
2. Advanced genetic tools (including CRISPR/Cas9) can be applied for gene editing to investigate how specific genes influence venom responses
3. Optical transparency of zebrafish allows real-time imaging of primary cellular effects, cardiovascular changes, tissue damage, and immune responses using advanced live imaging approaches.

You will:
• develop innovative zebrafish models of envenoming
• uncover the key cellular mechanisms that drive venom-induced disease

Associate Professor Lagendijk will train and mentor you within the outstanding academic environment of the IMB/UQ.

You will receive multi-disciplinary training in genome editing, developmental genetics, cell biology and high resolution live imaging. You will further be mentored in developing additional transferable skills, including written and verbal communication with diverse stakeholders, consumer/public engagement, and scientific writing.
Together this will provide a strong basis for careers in and outside academia. 

Facilities:
IMB Microscopy facility for high-end live imaging
UQBR zebrafish facility
PCS2 cell culture facility

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 microscopy would be of benefit to someone working on this project.

You will demonstrate academic achievements and the potential for scholastic success.

A background or knowledge of biomedical science, pharmacology, biochemistry, molecular biology, or related disciplines is highly desirable.

You must submit an expression of interest (EOI) by 24 March, 2026 24 February, 2026.

Before you apply

1. Check your eligibility for the Doctor of Philosophy (PhD).
2. Prepare your documentation.
3. If you have any questions about whether the project is suitable for your research interests, contact Associate Professor Anne K Langendijk (a.lagendijk@imb.uq.edu.au).

When you apply

To apply, submit an expression of interest (EOI) for the program. You don't need to apply separately for the project or scholarship. How to submit an EOI

In your EOI, complete the ‘Scholarship/Sponsorship’ section with the following details:

1. Are you applying for an advertised project: 'Yes'
2. Project: 'Research project scholarship'
3. Scholarship Code Listed in the Advertisement: ZEBRAFISH-LANGENDIJK
4. Link to Scholarship Advertisement: https://study.uq.edu.au/study-options/phd-mphil-professional-doctorate/projects/understanding-cellular-mechanisms-venomisation-using-innovative-modelling-zebrafish

Submit an EOI