Degree type
PhD
Closing date
18 July 2022
Campus
Hobart
Citizenship requirement
Domestic/International
About the research project
Plant-derived secondary metabolites are regarded as crucial sources for the discovery and development of new pharmaceutical drugs and therapeutic agents. These natural products often feature structurally-diverse, complex chemical scaffolds that can be exploited in the semi-synthesis of other therapeutically relevant molecules. By virtue of its geographic isolation, Australia (and Tasmania particularly) is home to a large variety of unique and distinct flora that are not found elsewhere in the world and the chemistry of these plants remains relatively unexplored. With less than 10% of Tasmania's endemic species being investigated there is potential to discover new bioactives such as anti-fungal and antibiotic agents.
Primary Supervisor
Meet A/Prof Jason SmithFunding
Applicants will be considered for a Research Training Program (RTP) scholarship or Tasmania Graduate Research Scholarship (TGRS) which, if successful, provides:
- a living allowance stipend of $28,854 per annum (2022 rate, indexed annually) for 3.5 years
- a relocation allowance of up to $2,000
- a tuition fees offset covering the cost of tuition fees for up to four years (domestic applicants only)
If successful, international applicants will receive a University of Tasmania Fees Offset for up to four years.
As part of the application process you may indicate if you do not wish to be considered for scholarship funding.
Eligibility
Applicants should review the Higher Degree by Research minimum entry requirements.
Additional eligibility criteria specific to this project/scholarship:
- Applicants must be able to undertake the project on-campus
Selection Criteria
The project is competitively assessed and awarded. Selection is based on academic merit and suitability to the project as determined by the College.
Additional essential selection criteria specific to this project:
- Experience with isolation and structure determination of organic compounds
Additional desirable selection criteria specific to this project:
- Experience with biological assays would be an advantage but not essential
Application process
There is a three-step application process:
- Select your project, and check you meet the eligibility and selection criteria;
- Contact the Primary Supervisor, A/Prof Jason Smith to discuss your suitability and the project's requirements; and
- Submit an application by the closing date listed above.
- Copy and paste the title of the project from this advertisement into your application. If you don’t correctly do this your application may be rejected.
- As part of your application, you will be required to submit a covering letter, a CV including 2 x referees and your project research proposal.
Following the application closing date applications will be assessed within the College. Applicants should expect to receive notification of the outcome by email by the advertised outcome date.
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