Identifying protein and metabolite markers of burn injury and trauma

It can be difficult for clinical teams to determine the severity of burn injuries when the patient first presents to the hospital. This is because burn wounds continue to deepen/progress over time, in a process known as burn wound conversion. Some wounds may deepen over days or weeks and require aggressive surgical treatment e.g. grafting, and some wounds don’t progress, stay superficial in depth, and they can be managed conservatively with the application of different bandages or dressings. We have previously found that certain proteins present in early burn wound fluid may help predict burn depth and the time taken for wounds to heal. We would like to identify which proteins and metabolites are related to wounds that heal faster and with a better outcome, compared to those which heal slowly, with scarring and require surgery. This project is funded by an NHMRC Project grant.

Aims:
In this project, these proteins and metabolites will be validated using different techniques and to help develop an assay which can be used in the clinic. There are 4 main aims:
1) Use mass spectrometry techniques to process burn patient samples
2) Analyse the mass spec data using bioinformatic approaches and software to identify and quantify proteins and metabolites
3) Validate identified molecules using western blotting or ELISA assays
4) Relate the proteins and metabolites to patient clinical data already collected, to determine which molecules correspond to faster or better wound healing outcomes

You will develop skills with the following techniques:
Mass spectrometry, proteomics, metabolomics, bioinformatics, western blotting, ELISA, working with clinicians, development of diagnostic assays

Skills and Experience Required:
Candidates will be eligible if they
- Meet the criteria for application for a PhD and scholarship at QUT (https://www.qut.edu.au/research/study-with-us/how-to-apply)
- Are domestic students, or international students who are already in Australia
- Contact us prior to the Expression of Interest deadline of 20th September and apply by the QUT deadline.
- Are motivated individuals who can plan their work and time to meet deadlines
- Are team players who can work in a multi-disciplinary environment

Your Opportunity:
This PhD will give you the opportunity to identify, validate and test new diagnostic markers for burn wound injury, in one of the leading burn research labs in the world. You will be working to develop new tools for the clinic and will acquire skills in “omic” and bioinformatic analysis of patient samples. This project will be based at the Centre for Children’s Health Research, beside the Queensland Children’s Hospital, and the candidate will have the opportunity to interact with the clinical teams in the hospital, and other scientists working to research and develop new treatments for children. You will also be part of the School of Biomedical Sciences at Queensland University of Technology (QUT), which leads interdisciplinary and collaborative research focused on key challenges in health, to generate knowledge and solutions that improve healthcare outcomes.

A Scholarship will be made available for outstanding applicants who meet the eligibility criteria. A QUT Stipend Scholarship is tax exempt and indexed annually, at AUD$28,092 per annum for a period of 3 years. International students receive a QUT Tuition Fee Waiver Scholarship. There is also the opportunity to receive a top-up to your scholarship if you are an exceptional candidate.

How to Apply:
Prior to the 20th September, email your application to Associate Professor Leila Cuttle ([Email Address Removed]), with the email heading “Application for Burn Biomarker PhD project and scholarship”
Your application must include a CV, with information on your previous research or laboratory experience, and details of your previous education and training. Please note any research projects, publications and presentations you have completed.
An interview will be conducted with shortlisted applicants.