PhD Candidate, Molecular Bioscience

The University of Queensland's Institute for Molecular Bioscience is a leading global research institute. IMB was established in 2000 as UQ's first research institute and is the cornerstone of one of the largest bioscience research precincts in Australia. The Institute's 500 scientists, support staff and postgraduate students from more than 40 countries are working to improve quality of life for all. IMB has three major divisions and four research centres. IMB's multidisciplinary research programs focus on advancing medical genomics, drug discovery and biotechnology. By investigating the basis of growth and development at the genetic, molecular, cellular and organ level, our researchers aim to better understand the development processes and pathways involved in human and animal health and disease. They also work to translate these findings into diagnostics, technologies and therapeutics to more effectively prevent, detect and treat disease.

IMB is equipped with state-of-the-art research infrastructure including world-class chemistry laboratories, Southern hemisphere's most advanced structural biology facilities, state-of-the-art equipment for biophysical studies, advanced imaging and genomics platforms, high-throughput sequencing, advanced bioinformatics and proteomics – all of which support the Institute's leading life sciences research. Details of the research interests of the Institute may be accessed on the Institute's website at: http://www.imb.uq.edu.au/

The successful applicant will be working under the supervision of Professor David J Craik (http://www.imb.uq.edu.au/david-craik) and Dr Christina Schroeder (http://researchers.uq.edu.au/researcher/638) at the Institute for Molecular Bioscience in Brisbane but will also be spending time in Professor Hidde Ploegh's laboratory (http://www.childrenshospital.org/research-and-innovation/research/programs/program-in-cellular-and-molecular-medicine/faculty-and-research/hidde-ploegh) at a Harvard Medical School-affiliated hospital and research establishment in Boston, USA. 

The Role

We are seeking a dynamic, intelligent, highly motivated PhD student to work on a project that will be further developed with input from the successful applicants, but will focus on the following:

Development of molecular probes for selective targeting to antigen-presenting cells. The PhD candidate will be involved in design, chemical synthesis and structural evaluation of novel probes as well as protein expression of nanobodies and conjugation chemistry and labeling of peptides. We are specifically interested in designing peptide-based antibody-conjugates for specific cell-targeting. 

The projects will suit a PhD candidate interested in both developing peptides as therapeutics and being exposed to cutting edge techniques in one of Australia's premier structural biology facilities.

The Candidate

Both Australian and international applicants are welcome to apply. Candidates should have a First Class Honours Degree or Master Degree (or equivalent) in chemistry, biochemistry, immunology or a related discipline. Strong academic performance, good oral and written communication skills, and published output will be additional assessment criteria.

Applicants must be eligible to enroll in a PhD with the University of Queensland. For a complete list of the University of Queensland's minimum entry requirements please refer to: https://graduate-school.uq.edu.au/uq-research-degrees .

Scholarship & Remuneration

Prospective students will be provided with assistance to apply for a UQ scholarship, or a domestic or international equivalent scholarship, for stipend and tuition support. For further information on scholarships please refer to https://graduate-school.uq.edu.au/scholarships. Award of a scholarship will be conditional upon the applicant applying for and obtaining an unconditional offer for entry to the PhD program at UQ under the supervision of Professor David Craik and Dr Christina Schroeder and being assessed in the next available UQ scholarship round. The duration of the candidacy is 3 years with 2 possible extensions each for up to 6 months. See UQ Policy PPL 4.80.01 UQ Research Scholarships for further information.

Enquiries & Application

For queries please contact:

Dr Christina Schroeder, email c.schroeder@imb.uq.edu.au phone+61-7-3346 2021.

Professor David Craik, email d.craik@imb.uq.edu.au phone +61-7-3346 2019 

To submit an application for this role, use the Apply button below. All applicants must supply the following documents: Cover letter, Resume/CV and a copy of your Academic Record (indicating GPA scores/grades), and grading scale details. 

Application closing date

11:55pm 5^th May 2017 (AEST)

Reference: 500459