Type of project
PhD Research Project
Funded PhD project (students worldwide)
Applications accepted up to 30 August 2022
Supervisor
Dr Kate Irvine
[Email Address Removed]
Keywords
Brisbane, Australia, macrophages, innate immunity, liver disease, obesity, metabolism
About the project
Metabolic diseases, including obesity and its associated spectrum of pathologies, represent some the greatest health challenges we currently face. Macrophages, cells of the innate immune system, regulate many aspects of metabolism in health and disease. They form abundant resident populations in major metabolic tissues such as liver and fat, where they regulate energy homeostasis and prevent inflammation. But recruited or activated macrophages contribute to inflammation-driven metabolic maladaptation that is central to the development of metabolic diseases, including obesity, type 2 diabetes, and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. We have discovered that stimulating macrophages can induce liver growth and alter body composition – promoting increased lean mass, reduced fat mass and reduced liver fat. We hypothesise that macrophages are a component of the regulatory network that controls metabolic homeostasis, which has clear therapeutic implications for obesity and related pathologies. This PhD project will investigate the mechanisms underlying macrophage regulation of metabolism in health and disease. The project will involve significant work with preclinical animal models.
The successful applicant will be supervised by Dr Kate Irvine in the Macrophage Biology Research group at Mater Research, based in the state-of-the-art Translational Research Institute (TRI) in Brisbane Australia. Mater Research provides a world-class research environment and dedicated onsite support for a cohort of >100 PhD students. We maintain ties with research groups based at the University of Queensland and Mater Health’s hospitals and health services, which are located less than 20 minutes from TRI. Brisbane is a safe and vibrant city that is consistently ranked among the most liveable cities in the world.
For further information see https://www.materresearch.org.au/Researchers/Our-researchers/Researcher?r=Dr-Katharine-Irvine
Preferred candidate
We are seeking a highly motivated PhD candidate with an interest in macrophage biology.
Selection criteria:
· Bachelor’s degree with first class honours and/or Masters with an outstanding thesis grade.
· Academic prizes and awards.
· High quality research outputs, including publications in international peer reviewed journals and conference presentations.
· Prior research experience in immunology, metabolic biochemistry, physiology, and/or cellular/molecular biology, as well as previous experience working with preclinical animal models.
· High degree of motivation and organisation, and an ability to work both independently and as part of a team.
· Excellent written and oral communications skills in English.
Eligibility
This opportunity is open to both domestic and international students.
Interested applicants should review the minimum entry requirements for Higher Degree by Research at The University of Queensland (see https://study.uq.edu.au/study-options/programs/doctor-philosophy-7501#entry-requirements), taking note that requirements for domestic and international applicants differ.
Must commence by Research Quarter 1, 2023.
Funding
This PhD project is supported by an Earmarked Scholarship aligned with a recently awarded NHMRC IDEAS grant. It offers you the opportunity to work with leading researchers and contribute to large projects of national significance.
The successful scholarship recipient will receive:
- a living stipend of $28,854 per annum tax free (2022 rate), indexed annually
- a tuition fee waiver
- single Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC)
See https://scholarships.uq.edu.au/scholarship/earmarked-scholarships-support-category-1-project-grants for further information.
In addition to the University of Queensland living stipend scholarship, Mater Research PhD students receive an additional top-up Frank Clair Scholarship of $10,000 over 3 years.
Application process
Please contact Dr Kate Irvine ([Email Address Removed]) to express your interest, attaching your CV, academic transcript and details of at least two referees.
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