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PhD Project: Procoagulant-Based Rapid Wound Sealant

Job Details

The Australian Institute for Bioengineering and Nanotechnology

The University of Queensland's Australian Institute for Bioengineering and Nanotechnology (AIBN) is a dynamic multi-disciplinary research institute dedicated to developing technology to alleviate societal problems in the areas of health, energy, manufacturing and environmental sustainability. AIBN brings together the skills of more than 450 world-class researchers complimented by an extensive suite of integrated facilities, working at the intersection of biology, chemistry, engineering and computer modelling. With a reputation for delivering translational science, AIBN conducts research at the forefront of emerging technologies, and has developed strong collaborations with leading members of industry, academia and government. AIBN goes beyond basic research to develop the growth of innovative industries for the benefit of the Queensland and Australian economies. Information about the Institute can be accessed on the Institute's web site at http://www.aibn.uq.edu.au/.

Our people are our greatest asset. We offer collaborative, inclusive work and study places, which are enriched by the significant diversity of our staff, students and community. We genuinely believe that creativity and innovation flourishes in an environment where people feel supported, valued and empowered. Mutual respect, inclusivity and accountability are at the cornerstone of UQ's culture.

AIBN is committed to supporting the career growth of women researchers and have a number of initiatives to support women in developing and achieving a fulfilling research career at the institute. For more information, please visit our AIBN Women in Science web site at http://www.aibn.uq.edu.au/women.

Background

Haemostasis (the control of bleeding) is the first stage of wound healing, where the formed blood clot acts as a scaffold for the subsequent inflammatory and repair stages. Death due to haemorrhage (bleeding) is a preventable death. Yet, in a civilian setting, 30-40% of people die as a result of bleeding to death after injury. In a military setting 90% of casualties with potentially survivable injuries die due to haemorrhage. This project involves the development, construction and testing of a new generation of active wound clotting agents to prevent bleeding.

Project

We are looking for a highly motivated student to progress the exciting results from our initial haemostatic agent design. This design is based on hydrogel scaffolds in combination with two potent bioactive molecules (procoagulant and anti-clot breakdown agent) to induce rapid and stable blood clot formation.

Specifically this project aims to:

  • Bioconjugate/crosslink these potent recombinant procoagulant proteins to a hydrogel scaffold
  • Characterise and test the haemostatic agents using in vitro blood clotting assays
  • Use in vivo mouse models of bleeding to test their effectiveness to control bleeding
  • Characterise the inflammatory response of the injured tissue in the presence of the haemostatic agent.

Students will be supported to present their outcomes at meetings and conferences to enhance their knowledge, receive wider feedback and network in the field of biomedicine. This innovative project, developing a clinically relevant haemostatic agent, is an emerging area of research, together with current studies is expected to rapidly generate high impact publications.

The person

Expressions of interest are invited from outstanding and enthusiastic Australian and international graduates with a First-Class Honours, or equivalent qualifications through a relevant Masters degree. Candidates will have a background in medicine, biology, biochemistry, biotechnology.

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 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

Prospective students will be provided with assistance to apply for a scholarship. Domestic students will be expected to apply for an APA or equivalent scholarship, while international students will be expected to apply for UQ scholarships for international students for stipend and tuition support.

Students who are unable to win one of these scholarships may be considered for a stipend equivalent to an APA of $27,082 per annum tax free (2018 rate, indexed annually) for three years with the possibility of two six-month extensions in approved circumstances, subject to the UQ Research Scholarship General Conditions (http://www.uq.edu.au/grad-school/content/future-students/scholarship-general-conditions.pdf and PPL 4.80.01 UQ Research Scholarships).

The base stipend will be at the rate of AUD $27,082 per annum (2018 rate) tax-free for three years with the possibility of up to a twelve month extension in approved circumstances.

Applications

To apply for this scholarship, please use the Apply button below. All applicants must supply the following documents:

  • Cover letter that addresses how you meet the requirements for participation in the project
  • Detailed academic CV with a focus on past research and laboratory skills and details of two referees
  • Complete tertiary academic records (with grades/GPA scores, and official grading scale details)

 Enquiries

To discuss this role further please contact Dr Amanda Kijas (a.kijas@uq.edu.au) or Professor Alan Rowan (alan.rowan@uq.edu.au).

Application closing date

Thursday, 20 December 2018 at 11:55pm E Australia Standard Time

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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