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PhD Studentship in Neurodegeneration

Employer
Global Academy Jobs
Location
Australia
Closing date
Jun 6, 2017

Job Details

The Queensland Brain Institute works to understand the development, organisation and function of the brain. We aim to understand the neural circuits in the brain, how their function results in behavioural outcomes, and how dysfunction of these circuits leads to disorders such as dementia, Parkinson’s disease and schizophrenia.  We aim to (1) Develop novel therapeutic approaches to treat disorders of neural function and (2) Use our understanding of brain function to improve learning in classrooms and in the workplace.

Established in 2003, QBI (www.qbi.uq.edu.au) is situated on the St Lucia campus of UQ. It is home to more than 450 staff and students, including 41 group leaders.

Over the past decade QBI has become known as one of the world’s leading neuroscience research institutes. It played a key role in contributing to UQ attaining the highest possible score of 5 for neuroscience, in both the 2010, 2012, and 2015 Excellence in Research for Australia (ERA) reviews, one of only two universities in Australia to achieve this.

The role

The Neurula Laboratory for the Research of Neurodegenerative Diseases, headed by Dr Rodrigo Medeiros, is looking for a PhD candidate to explore novel immune-based targets for Alzheimer’s disease. The candidate should have a strong background in neuroscience and/or immunology. Experience with behavioral models, surgeries, and primary cell cultures  would be desirable. The student will be responsible for experimental design, data analyses, and manuscript preparation, and will also be expected to apply for both independent and collaborative funding to support his/her research focus.

Duties and responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

  • Conduct research to further understanding of Alzheimer’s disease.

  • Publish high quality papers and contribute to the disciplined academic environment of the laboratory and the institute.

  • Apply for both independent and collaborative research funding.

  • Acquire and maintain familiarity with relevant scientific literature and contribute to the academic environment of the laboratory and institute.

  • Present results of research at meetings at all levels – laboratory, institutional, national and international as appropriate.

  • Contribute to safe laboratory working environment.

To know more about the Neurula Lab and Dr. Medeiros, please go to:  http://www.neurula.org/

The person

Expressions of Interest are invited from outstanding and enthusiastic international and Australian science graduates. Candidates will have a First Class Honours degree or equivalent and should be eligible for UQ scholarship consideration.

Desirable

  • Knowledge in the area of neuroscience, immunology, molecular biology or relevant discipline.

  • Experience on animal models of learning and memory (i.e., Morris water maze, contextual fear conditioning, open field);

  • Experience on animal stereotaxic surgery and intracranial injection;

  • Experience on drug administration per oral, intraperitoneal and intravenous routes;

  • Experience on animal perfusion and brain microdissection (i.e., dissection of hippocampus, cortex, etc);

  • Experience sectioning brain tissue, histological techniques, light and confocal microscopy;

  • Experience in preparing and maintaining mouse primary neuronal and glial cell cultures;

  • Experience protein and RNA extraction from brain tissue;

  • Experience on western blot and quantitative RT-PCR;

  • Ability to work independently with limited supervision and manage time effectively under conflicting demands;

  • Excellent communication and interpersonal skills;

  • Attention to detail and a methodical but expeditious approach to research work;

  • Ability to work responsibly, accurately and independently after basic training in techniques;

  • Ability to interpret experimental data to plan subsequent experiments and troubleshoot techniques;

  • Demonstrated ability to undertake experiments using a range of techniques;

  • Ability to bring the work to completion so as to obtain publishable results.

Applicants must fulfil the PhD admission criteria for the University of Queensland, including English language requirements, and demonstrate excellent capacity and potential for research. Demonstration of research ability through publication output in peer reviewed international journals is highly desirable.

For further information on the Basis of Admission to a UQ research higher degree, please visit http://www.uq.edu.au/grad-school/our-research-degrees. Successful applicants must accept and commence within 6 months of receiving an award.

Remuneration

Selected prospective students will receive assistance to apply for University living allowance and tuition fee scholarships. There may also be an option to offer a lab funded living stipend with a tuition fee (waiver) scholarship. The 2017 living allowance stipend rate is AUD$26,682 per annum (indexed annually) tax-free for 3 years plus two possible extensions of up to 6 months each in approved circumstances (conditions apply).  A top-up scholarship ($5,000 per annum) may be available to the successful candidate. For further information on scholarships refer to: http://www.uq.edu.au/grad-school/scholarships-and-fees.

Enquiries

To discuss this role and for further information, please contact Dr Rodrigo Medeiros (r.medeiros@uq.edu.au).

To submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) for consideration, ensure you use the UQ Jobs online recruitment system by following the Apply button below.  All applicants must supply the following documents: cover letter; complete official tertiary academic transcripts (with grades/GPA scores, and official grading scale details), and award certificates (testamurs); and detailed academic resume/CV. 

Expression of Interest Closing Date

6 June 2017 (11:55 PM) E. Australia Standard Time

Important: please do not send your EOI directly to the contact person listed in this section of the advertisement. EOIs not received via the UQ Jobs online system will not be considered.

Company

Global Academy Jobs works with over 250 universities worldwide to promote academic mobility and international research collaboration. Global problems need international solutions. Our jobs board and emails reach the academics and researchers who can help.

"The globalisation of higher education continues apace, driving in turn the ongoing development of the global knowledge economy, striving for solutions to the world’s problems and educating a next generation of leaders and contributors."

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