PhD Scholarship – Stem Cell Therapy

Job No.: 665072

Location: The Alfred Centre

Employment Type: Full-time or Part-time

Duration: 3-year fixed-term appointment

Remuneration: The successful applicant will receive a tax-free stipend, at the current value of $35,013 per annum 2024 full-time rate, as per the Monash Research Training Program (RTP) Stipend www.monash.edu/study/fees-scholarships/scholarships/find-a-scholarship/research-training-program-scholarship#scholarship-details

• Amplify your impact at a world top 50 University
• Join our inclusive, collaborative community
• Be surrounded by extraordinary ideas - and the people who discover them

The Opportunity

We have an exciting opportunity to undertake a PhD within the iPSC-based Cell Therapy laboratory, based at the Australian Centre for Blood Diseases, within the Alfred Research Alliance. The laboratory is a collaboration between Monash University and iCamuno Biotherapeutics, an innovative biotech company that is developing cell therapies from induced Pluripotent Stem Cells (iPSCs). 

iPSCs are stem cells that have the advantage of being able to develop into over 200 human cell types. For example, iPSCs can be made to develop into neural tissues to treat Parkinson’s Disease or into pancreatic cells to treat diabetes. Moreover, the function of iPSCs can be enhanced through genome editing. For example, human leukocyte antigens can be deleted to prevent rejection of iPSC-derived cells, or growth factors can be expressed to promote their survival and function.

In the iPSC-based cell therapies lab at the Australian Centre for Blood Diseases, our goal is to understand how adult cells are reprogrammed to iPSCs as well as how to improve these processes and use them for epigenetic rejuvenation of aged or damaged tissues. Secondly, we use improved methods for gene editing and cell differentiation to make improved iPSC-based cell therapies for a range of diseases, including Parkinson’s, Ophthalmic diseases, Osteoarthritis and cancer.

We are seeking expressions of interest from enthusiastic PhD applicants to join a dynamic and supportive research team. Research topics will be partially based on the skills and expertise of the applicants, with opportunities for PhD candidates to develop a research area of their own. The successful candidates will be organised, quick learning and enthusiastic to work as part of a team to achieve breakthroughs in stem cell therapy. This is an exciting opportunity to make a difference in the developing field of stem cell therapy.

About you

To be successful in the role, you will have:

Qualifications & Experience 

• Honours degree in immunology, cell biology, developmental biology, genetics or a related discipline (detailed admission requirements are here)
• Experience in cell biology or tissue culture. Experience with pluripotent or embryonic stem cells would be advantageous
• Understanding of cell characterization methods and technologies (e.g., flow cytometry, qPCR, immunoassays, microscopy, molecular biology, histology)
• Experience with multi-omic data processing, analysis or integration is an advantage
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Demonstrated analytical and problem-solving skills

About Monash University

• Amplify your impact at a world top 50 University
• Join our inclusive, collaborative community
• Be surrounded by extraordinary ideas - and the people who discover them
• At Monash, work feels different. There’s a sense of belonging, from contributing to something groundbreaking – a place where great things happen.
• We value difference and diversity, and welcome and celebrate everyone's contributions, lived experience and expertise. That’s why we champion an inclusive and respectful workplace culture where everyone is supported to succeed

Eligibility requirements:

Candidates will need to fulfil the Monash University minimum requirements for admission to a PhD detailed here:

www.monash.edu/admissions/entry-requirements/minimum

How to apply

For general instructions on how to apply for roles at Monash, please refer to "How to apply for Monash Jobs".

To express your interest in this scholarship and PhD research opportunity, we request candidates provide:

• A cover letter describing your research interests and why you would like to undertake a PhD (maximum one page)
• A CV including qualifications, academic achievements, list of publications, work history and references

Enquiries

Associate Professor Matthew McCormack at matthew.mccormack@monash.edu or visit www.monash.edu/medicine/ccs/blood-disease/research/ipsc-based-cell-therapies

Closing date

Friday 31 May 2024, 11:55pm AEST

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