A PhD scholarship as part of an Australian Research Council Linkage Project is available in collaboration with a world-leading 3D-bioprinting company.
This multi-disciplinary project aims to develop 3D printed polymer-hydrogel hybrid scaffolds with spatially-patterned biological cues, and to determine how these signals independently and collectively direct stem cell persistence and function.
The project will use cutting-edge atmospheric plasma pen technology to bio-functionalise hybrid scaffolds with spatial resolution, followed by systematic characterisation of the adhesion and conformation of adhered proteins/peptides, and their effects on stem cell viability, distribution, phenotype, and regenerative function. The candidate will use techniques such as stem cell culture, cell and protein characterisation assays including real-time qPCR, ELISA, Western blot, immunofluorescence, confocal microscopy, and spatial transcriptomics. The candidate will closely interact with our bioprinting industry partner, and cross-disciplinary collaborators, gaining valuable skills and knowledge in the field of cell biology and bioengineering.
The successful applicant will be working in the laboratories of Dr Giselle Yeo, in close collaboration with Prof Marcela Bilek and Prof David McKenzie, at the University of Sydney, and Dr Behnam Akhavan at the University of Newcastle.
PhD Scholarship details
Funding: $32,192 per annum (2024 rate) indexed annually. For a PhD candidate, the living allowance scholarship is for 3.5 years and the tuition fee scholarship is for four years. Scholarships also include up to $1,500 relocation allowance.
Supervisor: Dr Behnam Akhavan, Dr Giselle Yeo, Prof Marcela Bilek
Available to: Domestic students
PhD
Eligibility Criteria
To be considered, you will need to be fluent in English and have achieved excellent results in your undergraduate studies.
The applicant will need to meet the minimum eligibility criteria for admission. In addition,
1. Applicants should have completed an Honours, MSc or equivalent degree in one or more of the following fields: Chemistry, Physics, Mechanical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Material Science and Engineering, Biomedical Engineering, or related disciplines.
2. Applicants should be highly self-motivated and be able to work effectively within a multidisciplinary research team.
3. Applicants should have excellent scientific writing skills (such as demonstrated through journal publications) and communication skills.
Application Procedure
Interested applicants should send an email expressing their interest along with scanned copies of their academic transcripts, CV, a brief statement of their research interests and a proposal that specifically links them to the research project.
Please send the email expressing interest to [email protected] by 5pm on 13 June 2024.