Neurolmaging Research In ME/CFS an long COVID

The National Centre for Neuroimmunology and Emerging Diseases (NCNED) at the Griffith Health Centre on the Gold Coast has initiated a comprehensive research program into Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME/CFS) and long COVID. ME/CFS is a multi-system condition that affects about 24 million people globally and many symptoms are neurological in nature. Recently the NCNED group made progress in understanding its cellular origins and advanced neuroimaging has been important in understanding its neurological symptoms.

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) has been used to map tissue microstructural and functional connectivity of the brain noninvasively to better understand brain function. Anatomical, functional connectivity details with high resolution MRI data has always been of great interest to better understand the pathophysiology of diseases. As a neuroimaging research group within NCNED at Griffith University, we have been developing neuroimaging methods to understand the pathophysiology of ME/CFS and long COVID. Our brain MRI has evolved with the technology and our latest study included functional MRI, structural, and diffusion tensor imaging (DTI). Our team aims to better understand the pathophysiology of ME/CFS and long COVID by acquiring multi-modal imaging data using both the 3 and ultra-high field 7 Tesla MRI. Much remains to be done and we offer challenging projects for talented early career researchers. Research projects will involve acquisition and analysis of a new data set (functional, DTI, structural, and Quantitative susceptibility mapping ) and analysis of large existing data sets.

Griffith Health and NCNED are looking to invest in the future of health research with higher degree by offering TheBrotchie-Wallace Stafford Fox Medical Research Foundation scholarships.

The selection of applicants for the award of higher degree research scholarships at Griffith University involves consideration of your academic merit and research background. To be successful within this role, you must also meet the entry requirements for Higher degrees by Research at Griffith University You will have evidence of a passion for research, with a strong desire to undertake research in a multi-disciplinary environment.

• Expressions of interest are welcome from domestic and international applicants.
• Applicants must have completed, or expect to complete, a bachelors degree with honours equivalent to first class honours or a Masters degree (AQF Level 9) incorporating a significant research component of a standard comparable to a bachelor honours degree or be regarded by Griffith University as having an equivalent level of attainment in accordance with Schedule One of the HDR Scholarship Procedure . For further information on the eligibility requirements for the program refer here .

Please note:

• Candidate with knowledge of programming language in MATLAB/Python/R.
• Applicant with background of image processing especially using MRI data will be an advantage.

International applicants should ensure that English Language Proficiency requirements for the program are met before formally applying. Applicants to research programs will need to show they meet:

The 2024 Griffith University Postgraduate Research Scholarship has an annual stipend of $33,480 (indexed) for a period of up to three years of full-time study. Please see the GUPRS Conditions of Award for more information.

A successful International applicant will also be awarded a Griffith University International Postgraduate Research Scholarship to cover tuition fees for up to three years. Please see the GUIPRS Conditions of Award for more information.

As a scholarship holder, you will study with a University that ranks among the top 2% worldwide and spans across campuses in South East Queensland. At Griffith University, we’ve worked hard to create a culture that will challenge you to be curious, creative and courageous. We also support the professional and personal development of all our HDR candidates and invest in the skills of our people. Griffith University values diversity, inclusion and flexibility and we encourage Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander, and people of all backgrounds to apply. Griffith's strategic goals are to also increase the proportion of women in senior academic and administrative roles and in Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics and Medicine (STEMM).

Please do not select the “APPLY” button. All expressions of interest must be submitted to [email protected] containing:

• Statement addressing your suitability for the project/scholarship
• Evidence that you have completed a program with the required grades as detailed in the about you section
• A curriculum vitae (CV) using the Griffith CV template .

The closing date for expressions of interest is:  5pm Thursday 29 February  2024

The preferred applicant will then be invited to apply for the program and scholarship on-line