PhD Scholarship: Blood mechanobiology

About the opportunity

ExtraCorporeal Membrane Oxygenation (ECMO), blood mechanobiology, and vascular pathologies

Griffith Health and the Critical Care Research Group (CCRG) are looking to invest in the future of health research with higher degree by research scholarships. We are currently looking for PhD candidates to join our interdisciplinary team to further understand how ECMO may impact blood rheology and the cardiovascular system (with a focus on the vessels) with a goal to improve ECMO outcomes. Our techniques and models are highly innovative and clinically relevant.

The primary focus of this role will contribute to elucidating the manner in which ECMO modifies vascular structure/function, rheology and intracellular signalling, and how novel approaches to ECMO can significantly improve outcomes.

Success in this role requires: i) extensive collaborative spirit, as evidenced through working with medical professionals, engineers, biophysicists, and biochemists; and ii) tenacity and an independent drive to contribute to science.

About us

The projects encompass a dynamic collaboration between the Mechanobiology Research Laboratory and the Heart, Mind, Body Research Laboratory within Griffith Health, and the Critical Care Research Group (TPCH). The Critical Care Research Group is a world leader in critical care research and biomedical engineering, developing technologies that improve outcomes for critically ill patients. The Mechanobiology Research Laboratory employs experimental approaches to further understanding of the intracellular processes that occur when biological cells are exposed to physical forces.  The Heart, Mind, Body Research Laboratory is focussed on basic research to understand the impact of pathologies and co-morbidities on the cardiovascular system.

The collaborative team draws together experts in clinical research, cardiovascular physiology and pharmacology, blood rheology, mechanical engineering, medicine, and biophysics, with pathways for post-doctoral research in-house. Our collaborations are international, and we partner with international medical device developers and clinical leaders, providing excellent opportunities for partnerships and further training.

About you

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 will be able to work with biological specimens in a mixed technology-wet laboratory environment. You will have evidence of a passion for discovery and innovation, with a strong desire to undertake impactful research.

• 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 Policy . For further information on the eligibility requirements for the program refer here .

About the scholarship

The 2022 Griffith University Postgraduate Research Scholarship has an annual stipend of $28,854 (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.

EoI process

Please do not select the “APPLY” button. All expressions of interest must be submitted as set out below:

Interested applicants should submit an expression of interest (EOI) to [email protected] containing:

• Statement addressing your suitability for the project/scholarship
• Evidence that you have completed a Bachelor Degree with Class 1 Honours or will be regarded by Griffith University as having an equivalent level of attainment in accordance with Schedule One of the HDR Scholarship Policy
• A brief CV
• Research proposal
• Two references

The EoI closing date is: 11.59pm Friday 27 May 2022

The preferred applicant will then be invited to apply on-line.

What Griffith offers
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).

Further information

For project related enquiries please contact:

Associate Professor Jason Peart

Phone: (07) 5552 8357

Email: [email protected]

For administration enquiries please contact:

Griffith Graduate Research School

Phone: (07) 3735 3817

Email: [email protected]