PhD Opportunity: Modulating cardiac fibrosis
The Priority Clinical Centre for Cardiovascular Health is seeking expressions of interest for a highly motivated student to conduct a PhD project investigating the modulation of cardiac fibrosis under the supervision of Professor Andrew Boyle and Dr Lucy Murtha.
We are seeking expressions of interest for a highly motivated student to conduct a PhD project investigating the modulation of cardiac fibrosis. Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death worldwide and the Hunter region has one of the highest rates of heart disease in Australia.
Cardiac fibrosis is the final common pathway of every cardiac disease and results in significantly impaired heart function. It is an enormous clinical problem with limited treatment options.
This project will describe and define a novel model of cardiac fibrosis in vitro. When the optimal parameters of this model are defined, we will study a number of potential candidates for reversing cardiac fibrosis, including small molecules and cell therapies.
The mechanism by which these can reverse scar formation or digest scar is not known, and our aim is to describe this mechanism and ultimately exploit this for therapeutic gain.
The candidate would be a part of an established team and research group, based at the Hunter Medical Research Institute. Candidates with a background in health, biomedical or biotechnology sciences are encouraged to apply.
Experience in a biological science laboratory, with experience in protein and RNA studies, cell culture and/or cardiovascular physiology is preferred. The successful candidate will be expected to commence studies by November 2017.
SCHOLARSHIP DETAILS
A scholarship is available at the Research Training Program stipend rate, which provides a full-time living allowance of $26,682 per annum (2017 rate, tax-free, indexed annually), for a period of up to 3.5 years (equivalent full-time student load).
ELIGIBILITY
Domestic and international candidates with Honours (Class 1) or equivalent, or Master Degree from a reputable Higher Education Organisation. English proficiency essential.
APPLICATION PROCEDURE
Interested applicants should send an email expressing their interest, including scanned evidence of their academic transcript, CV. These documents should be emailed to stacey.wilks@newcastle.edu.au by 5pm, Friday 30th September 2017.
Contact: Ms Stacey Wilks
Email: stacey.wilks@newcastle.edu.au
Phone: +61 02 4042 0062
For more information please click "Further Official Information" below.
This opportunity has expired. It was originally published here:
http://www.newcastle.edu.au/research-and-innovation/graduate-research/phd-scholarships/phd-opportunity-modulating-cardiac-fibrosis