Understanding co-occurring conditions in autism using large-scale multi-omics

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a common neurodevelopmental condition diagnosed in 1-2% of Australian children. Biological research on ASD has focused on identifying biomarkers to improve early and accurate diagnosis, but this fails to align with the research priorities of the autistic and autism communities, for whom the highest priority is research on common co-occurring conditions in ASD. This innovative NHMRC-funded project will use cutting edge multiomics analyses in the Australian Autism Biobank (AAB) to improve understanding of causes, biological mechanisms and predictors of co-occurring conditions in autism, including sleep problems, gastrointestinal complaints and immune conditions. The proposed analyses will make use of a large resource of existing genomic (SNPs, WGS, plasma proteomics, plasma lipidomics, gut microbiome, urine metabolomics, DNA methylation), psychometric and lifestyle (e.g. diet) data in the AAB.

The successful applicant will join a well-resourced and high-performing lab based in the state-of-the-art Translational Research Institute (TRI) in Brisbane, Australia. The project offers an opportunity for training in analysis of large scale human genomic data, including rich multi-omics data in the Australian Autism Biobank study. Brisbane is a hub for statistical genomics in the Southern hemisphere, and we maintain close ties with large and active research groups based at the University of Queensland and Queensland Institute of Medical Research Berghofer, each of which are within 20 minutes of TRI.

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 R statistical computing language and/or python would be of benefit to someone working on this project.

You will demonstrate academic achievement in one or more of the fields of statistics, mathematics, bioinformatics, quantitative genetics, animal breeding or human genomics and the potential for scholastic success.

A background or knowledge of neurological and/or neurodegenerative disorders is highly desirable.

You must submit an expression of interest (EOI) by 11 December, 2025 11 December, 2025.

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 Professor Jake Gratten (jacob.gratten@mater.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: AUTISM-GRATTEN
4. Link to Scholarship Advertisement: https://study.uq.edu.au/study-options/phd-mphil-professional-doctorate/projects/understanding-co-occurring-conditions-autism-using-large-scale-multi-omics

Submit an EOI