Project - Recent mRNA vaccine success has heralded a new era of RNA nanomedicines. We are pleased to announce a fully funded PhD position with a scholarship focused on the development of integrated microfluidic chips for making mRNA nanomedicines. This exciting opportunity is ideal for candidates with a strong background in microfluidics and a keen interest in advancing the field of nanomedicine. The aim of this research project is to develop innovative microfluidic platforms that enable the efficient production of mRNA-based nanomedicines. The successful candidate will work at the intersection of microfluidics, nanotechnology, and pharmaceutical sciences to design and optimize integrated microfluidic chips for mRNA formulation.
The project is a collaboration with the company Biocina based on Adelaide. They are a CDMO supplying RNA and RNA-LNP active ingredients for clinical trials. The student will be expected to spend some time working with Biocina to assist in technology transfer to their benefit.
Facilities - The University of Adelaide has invested over $3 million in new Biomanufacturing and Nanoparticle Fabrication laboratories. The facility has plasmid DNA fermentation, purification (batch and continuous), lyophilisation, transcription, microfluidic lipid nanoparticle fabrication, in vitro and in vivo study capabilities. Analytical instruments include dynamic light scattering, differential scanning calorimetry, isothermal titration calorimetry, HPLCs, and GC-MS along with standard spectroscopy, high resolution fluorescence microscopy, flow cytometry, plate reader, microfluidic design and fabrication facility, etc.
Supervisors - The project will be supervised by Prof. Chun-Xia Zhao (nanomedicine and microfluidics expert). She is currently an Australian National Health and Medical Research Council Leadership Fellow, has supervised more than 30 RHD students in University of Queensland and University of Adelaide. She leads a research group (25-30 researchers) focusing on bioinspired engineering, biomimetic nanomaterials and microfluidics for drug delivery and controlled release. Her research has attracted more than $10 M funding plus big research centre project (Node leader and Program Leader in ARC Centre of Excellence project $35 million for 7 years). Prof. Zhao has published more than 120 journal articles in top journals such as Nature Comm, PNAS, Science Advances, ACS Nano, Small, etc. She has collaborated extensively with researchers in top universities such as Harvard University, Cornell University, Brown University, etc.
Student requirements – We are looking for a highly motivated candidate with at least a B.Sc. or B. Eng. in Mechanical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Biomedical Engineering, or a related field from reputable universities. The candidate will preferably have a Master degree or work experience in a related field.
Scholarship - The University of Adelaide offers Research Scholarships of $AU 32,500 p.a. fully funded as part of an MRFF project.
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