Job no:497404
Area:UQ Diamantina Institute
Salary (FTE):APA Scholarship NON-BANDED ($25,849.00 - $25,849.00)
Work type:Full Time - Scholarship
Location: Brisbane
The University of Queensland Diamantina Institute was established in 2007 as the sixth research institute of The University of Queensland. The aim of the Institute is to develop a better understanding of the molecular and cellular basis of disease, and to translate that understanding into practical outcomes for patients. Based at the Translational Research Institute (TRI) at the Princess Alexandra Hospital teaching campus in Brisbane, the Institute has almost 300 researchers and students who work closely with clinicians in the areas of cancer, immunology and genomic medicine. UQDI is the largest partner in TRI, and is building major programs in Immunology, Cancer and Genomic Medicine research, with a particular focus on research aimed at development of new treatments. Details of the research interests of academic staff may be accessed on the Institute's web site at http://www.di.uq.edu.au/research.
The Role
The focus of this project is to study the biology of Natural killer (NK)-cells, with a specific molecular pathways and transcriptome regulation, through functional immuno-assays, RNA-seq and molecular biology. NK-cells are immune effector cells that lyse cancer cells without requiring previous sensitization. Therapeutic developments have led to a resurgence in their interest. However, the underlying molecular mechanisms controlling NK-cell effector function are poorly understood. The project will take forward some of our current findings on NK-cells within the context of blood cancers. These include Non Hodgkin Lymphoma (NHL), Hodgkin Lymphoma (HL), multiple myeloma (MM), and leukaemia.
The candidate will develop and apply methodologies to including cell culture, flow cytometry, PCR, luciferase assays, CHIP-seq, and bioinformatics involving the use of high-performance computing, programming, and integrative data analysis. Supervision will be provided by Professor Maher Gandhi and Dr Alex Cristino.
The Person
Both domestic and international students are encouraged to apply. The candidate will preferably have a 1st Class Honours degree or equivalent in science, and should be eligible for either an Australian Postgraduate Award (APA), University of Queensland Research Scholarship (UQRS), International Postgraduate Research Scholarship (IPRS), or UQ International Scholarship (UQI). We will consider students from a wide range of backgrounds, including: mathematics, statistics, computer science, bioinformatics, physics, genetics, and molecular biology. Programming experience is highly desirable as is knowledge of molecular biology, cell biology and/or genetics. Applicants must be fluent in English.
Candidates must be available for interview in late May / early June.
Remuneration
The base stipend will be at the rate of AUD$25,849 per annum (2015 rate) tax-free for three years with the possibility of a six month extension in approved circumstances.
Contact
For further information about the research project, please contact Professor Maher Gandhi (M.Gandhi@uq.edu.au).
For information about entering the UQ PhD program and for the full terms and conditions, please visit the UQ Graduate School website at http://www.uq.edu.au/grad-school.
To submit an application for this role, use the Apply button below. All applicants must supply the following documents: Cover letter, Resume, Academic Records and a completed Expression of Interest Form (http://www.uq.edu.au/grad-school/content/future-students/expression-of-interest.doc).
Advertised:
Applications close: E. Australia Standard Time
This opportunity has expired. It was originally published here:
http://jobs.uq.edu.au/caw/en/job/497404/phd-scholarship-molecular-biology-of-natural-killer-cells-in-blood-cancers