PhD Scholarship Opportunity - Unravelling Cancer Metabolite Recognition by T Cells

Job No.: 698874

Employment Type: Full-time

Duration: 3.5-year fixed-term appointment

Location: Monash University, Clayton campus, Melbourne, Australia

Remuneration: The successful applicant will receive a tax-free stipend, at the current value of ~ $41,100 per annum 2027 full-time rate, as per the Monash Research Training Program (RTP) Stipend https://www.monash.edu/study/fees-scholarships/scholarships/find-a-scholarship/research-training-program-scholarship#scholarship-details.

• Be inspired, every day
• Drive your own learning at one of the world’s top 50 universities
• Take your career in exciting, rewarding directions

A fully funded PhD scholarship is available in the group of Dr Wael Awad within Prof. Jamie Rossjohn’s laboratory at the Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute (BDI). This research proposal focuses on providing a holistic understanding of how cancer-associated metabolites orchestrate T cell functions. Utilizing a combination of cutting-edge biochemical, structural, and cellular immunology approaches, the successful candidate will investigate the molecular mechanisms underlying T cell receptor recognition and discrimination of tumour metabolites. This fundamental research aims to pave the way for universal MR1-based anti-cancer immunotherapies.

The successful candidate gains hands-on expertise in recombinant protein expression and purification, X-ray crystallography, Surface Plasmon Resonance (SPR), and cellular immunology approaches in a world-class, exceptionally well-funded environment. The candidate will join a world-leading structural immunology research team with a proven track record of publishing in high-impact journals including Science, Nature Immunology, and Science Immunology. The position offers an exceptionally well-funded environment, state-of-the-art facilities, direct mentorship from world leaders, and opportunities to present at national and international conferences.

Eligibility requirements:

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

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

It is expected that applicants will have a background in biochemistry, structural biology, and/or immunology and knowledge of and/or experience in protein biochemistry, cellular biology and/or structural characterization.

The project is based in Melbourne, Australia. The candidate can commence the project in January 2027; however alternative arrangements can be made.

How to apply

Please submit a single package containing:

1. A cover letter outlining your research interests and motivation for a PhD (maximum 1 page).
2. A CV including qualifications, achievements, publications, work history, and two references.
3. A copy of your academic transcript(s).

Please submit your application via email to wael.awad@monash.edu with the subject line "PhD Application – MR1 Structural Immunology”

Applications Close: Tuesday 18 October 2026, 11:55pm AEDT