Type of project
PhD Research Project
Funded PhD project (students worldwide)
Applications accepted all year round
Supervisor
Associate Professor Paul Dawson
[Email Address Removed]
Keywords
Brisbane, Australia, neurodevelopment, preterm infant, neonate, molecular biology, neurobiology, medical biochemistry, neuroscience
Title
Neuroprotective benefit and safety of preterm neonatal sulfate supplementation.
About the project
This new study will investigate if sulfate therapy reduces the risk of developing adverse neurodevelopmental outcomes after preterm birth. The study, led by Associate Professor Paul Dawson, has been awarded a grant by the Australian National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC). The study is being undertaken following evidence that sulfate is important for brain development and that preterm infants rapidly become sulfate deficient unless their mother receives magnesium sulfate during preterm labour. Magnesium sulfate is currently administered to mothers in preterm labour at less than 30 weeks gestation and reduces the risk of cerebral palsy in the infant. However, almost half of women miss out on this neuroprotective therapy due to insufficient time to give the treatment.
To address these challenges, this NHMRC-funded project will investigate both safety and neuroprotective benefit aspects of neonatal sulphate supplementation using an established and clinically relevant preterm animal model. The study is designed specifically to support direct translation to a clinical trial of sulfate supplementation in very preterm infants.
The successful applicant will join the Neurodevelopmental Research group led by A/Prof Paul Dawson at Mater Research and the University of Queensland, 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=A-Prof-Paul-Dawson
Preferred candidate
We are seeking a highly motivated PhD candidate with an interest in preterm neonatal research and a background in neuroscience, physiology and/or molecular biology.
Selection criteria:
· Bachelor’s degree with first class honours and/or Masters with an outstanding academic achievement in the field(s) of physiology, neurobiology, neonatology, molecular biology or an equivalent field and the potential for scholastic success.
· Academic prizes and awards.
· High quality research outputs, including publications in international peer reviewed journals and conference presentations.
· A background or knowledge of molecular biology, neurobiology and physiology is highly desirable.
· The project will involve significant work with preclinical animal models and so prospective students should be willing to undertake this type of research.
· 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 3, 2023. Applicants should apply at least 3 months before the research quarter commencement date.
Funding
This PhD project is supported by an Earmarked Scholarship aligned with a recently awarded NHMRC IDEAS grant.
The successful scholarship recipient will receive:
- a living stipend of $32,192 per annum tax free (2023 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 A/Prof Paul Dawson ([Email Address Removed]) to express your interest, attaching your CV, academic transcript and details of at least two referees.