Type of project
PhD Research Project
Funded PhD project (students worldwide)
Applications accepted all year round
Supervisor
Professor Katharina RonacheR - [Email Address Removed]
Keywords
Immunology, infectious diseases, microbiology, virology, respiratory infections, Mycobacterium tuberculosis, tuberculosis, COVID-19, SARS-CoV2, lung, Brisbane, Australia.
Title
Oxidised cholesterols as Key Regulators of Host Immunity to Bacterial and Viral Respiratory Infections.
About the project
This new study will investigate the role of oxidised cholesterols in respiratory infection outcomes in murine models of M. tuberculosis and SARS-CoV-2 infection and clinical samples from healthy controls and patients with tuberculosis and COVID-19. The study, led by Professor Katharina Ronacher, has been awarded a grant by the Australian National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC). The study will build on our published work which showed that oxysterols facilitate macrophage infiltration into the lung via the oxysterol-sensing G protein coupled receptor GPR183 in tuberculosis, influenza, and SARS-CoV-2 infection (Foo CX Eur Respr J 2022 PMID 36396144, Ngo MD 2022 J Infect Dis PMID 35303091). We further demonstrated that blocking GPR183 significantly improved SARS-CoV-2 infection outcomes. This project will further elucidate the mechanisms of oxysterol action both in vivo and in vitro with the aim to develop novel host-directed therapies to improve respiratory infection outcomes.
The successful applicant will join the Infection, Immunity and Metabolism Research Group led by Prof Katharina Ronacher at the Mater Research Institute - The University of Queensland, based in the state-of-the-art Translational Research Institute (TRI) in Brisbane Australia. The University of Queensland is ranked 53rd in the World University Rankings 2023. The Mater Research Institute provides a world-class research environment and dedicated onsite support for a cohort of >100 PhD students. We collaborate with other 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 and have a wide range of international collaborators in the USA, Europe, and South Africa. Brisbane is a safe and vibrant city that is consistently ranked among the most liveable cities in the world.
For further information see:
https://researchers.uq.edu.au/researcher/16738
https://www.materresearch.org.au/Researchers/Our-researchers/researcher?r=1487
Follow us on Twitter: @RonacherK
Preferred candidate
We are seeking a highly motivated PhD candidate with an interest in infection and immunity.
Selection criteria:
· Bachelor’s degree with first class honours and/or Masters with an outstanding academic achievement in the field(s) of microbiology, immunology, virology 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 solid background or knowledge of immunology, microbiology or virology is highly desirable.
· Experience in laboratory animal handling is desirable. This project will involve significant work with preclinical animal models.
· Willingness to work in a BSL3 / PC3 laboratory environment with infectious human pathogens. Training will be provided.
· 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.
Commencement date for Research Quarter 3, July 2023 or Research Quarter 1, January 2024. 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 Prof Katharina Ronacher ([Email Address Removed]) to express your interest, attaching a cover letter outlining why you are the ideal PhD candidate, your CV, academic transcript and details of at least two academic referees. Please note that due to the large volume of applicants expected only short-listed candidates will be contacted.
Continue with Facebook
