The University of Newcastle in Australia is an elite institution with a standing for excellent instruction and learning, as well as for offering cutting-edge academic programmes. According to the QS World University Rankings 2024, the university is one of the top 175 research-intensive institutions in the world. With a total of 12 disciplines available that are listed among the top 200 in the world (QS World University Rankings by Subject 2022), it excels in a variety of subject areas including automation and control, mining and mineral engineering, nursing, architecture, education, and many more.
This institution has openings for various fully funded PhD positions in the stream of life sciences. The research area of the openings includes Nanomedicines, Neurotoxins, Bioinformatics, Cancer Biology, and Biosensors. The details of the openings are mentioned below.
1, PhD position in Innate Immune Activating RNA Nanomedicines for Cancer
The investigators will evaluate the drug’s therapeutic potential as part of a nanomedicine that employs RNA to boost anti-tumor action and combines an immune-stimulating chemical.
This project will focus on the oncology TLR2/6 agonist indication in partnership with Axelia Oncology and will address the hypothesis: Increased anti-tumoral macrophage response will be achieved using TAM-homing nanoparticles formulated with both Pam2cys and immune checkpoint-targeting siRNA.
“The purpose of the PhD project is to take what is already very promising class of immune modulator (successful oncology and respiratory programs now in the clinic) with huge commercial potential and determine if immunooncology indication can be expanded by developing TAM-targeting Pam2cys-loaded RNAi-based nanomedicines. Using RNAi-based nanoparticles to explore novel applications for drugs in the clinic Liang and Bartlett have recently developed novel polymer hybrid nanoparticles able to carry a range drug payloads (including RNA, TLR agonists) efficiently into multiple cell types (tumour cells, primary airway epithelial cells). (Kan, Bartlett, Liang et al TLR7 agonist loaded airway epithelial targeting nanoparticles stimulate innate immunity and suppresses viral replication in human bronchial epithelial cells Int J Pharmaceutics 2022).”
newcastle.edu.au
Deadline: 01-December-2023
2, PhD position in Discovery of the Genetic Basis for Marine Neurotoxin (Tetrodotoxin) Biosynthesis
The objective of this study is to identify the genetic underpinnings of tetrodotoxin synthesis, a strong neurotoxin with important ecological and medicinal implications. They propose that blue-ringed octopus, pufferfish (Fugu), and other marine creatures are exposed to tetrodotoxin through the food chain, which is generated by microorganisms. They will identify the main biosynthesis genes that are involved in the manufacture of tetrodotoxin and other potentially useful chemicals using an integrated genomic and synthetic biology approach. The information produced will enhance the management of seafood safety, give previously unheard-of insight into the ecology and biosynthesis of this mysterious toxin, and lay the groundwork for the upcoming creation of new neuroactive chemicals.
“We will use the latest molecular technologies to discover and characterise potent neurotoxin (tetrodotoxin) biosynthesis genes in the marine food web. This will enable the development of rapid genetic (PCR) tests for monitoring seafood safety and water quality.”
newcastle.edu.au
Deadline: 31-January-2024
University of Luxembourg – PhD openings – August 2023
3, PhD position in Microbiome-Gut-Brain Axis
The project, which is being worked on by a sizable interdisciplinary team at the Hunter Medical Research Institute, has a translational focus and makes use of the group’s support as well as clinical and biological skills.
Understanding how our microbiota, nutrition, and digestive system interact to affect mental health, including anxiety, sadness, and cognitive function, is the major goal of the research. The research will employ a variety of methodologies, such as gathering and analysing clinical data and samples, immunological and histological analyses, microbiome analysis (bioinformatics), and lab-based models to investigate biological function. Candidates with clinical, allied health, or biomedical degree qualifications, such as those in medicine, nursing, psychology, dietetics, biotechnology, or biology, may have the project customised to meet their qualifications.
“A PhD is available to work in the field of gastrointestinal health in the NHMRC CRE in Digestive Health. The main focus of the work is understanding how interactions between our microbiome, diet and digestive system influence mental health, including anxiety, depression and cognitive function.”
newcastle.edu.au
Deadline: 01-October-2023
4, PhD position in Therapeutic Stress and Regulation of DNA Methylation in Acute Myeloid Leukaemia
Acute myeloid leukaemia (AML) is a severe illness that kills 1000 Aussies each year. Only around 1/4 of patients survive more than 5 years following their diagnosis, despite the fact that conventional chemotherapies may put about 2/3 of patients into remission. The disease relapse, which happens in the majority of patients and typically within 2 years of establishing remission, is the cause of the poor prognosis for AML. They require innovative approaches to target these pathways as well as a deeper comprehension of the adaptive processes that allow AML cells to resist therapy in order to prevent recurrence. AML treatments, stress-response mechanisms, and DNA methylation heterogeneity will all be examined as part of this project with the goal of developing fresh methods to postpone or stop AML recurrence.
“Acute myeloid leukaemia (AML) is a predominantly fatal disease characterised by frequent relapse and epigenetic dysregulation. Treatment-induced intra-tumoural heterogeneity may promote relapse by opening new opportunities for cells to evade therapy. This project will test whether therapeutic stress promotes relapse by opening new opportunities for cells to evade therapy.”
newcastle.edu.au
Deadline: 29-September-2023
Source: newcastle.edu.au/study/research
Published: 26-August-2023
