Measurement of neuropeptide release

Novel approaches to measure oxytocin and AVP release in freely behaving animals

Degree type

PhD

Closing date

27 March 2023

Campus

Hobart

Citizenship requirement

Domestic/International

About the research project

The project is part of the funded NHMRC grant (2021-2023) aims utilise a novel fluorescent sensor to measure the release of neuropeptides in vivo during a rodent model of learning and memory. The peptides of interests, oxytocin and AVP, are known to associate with the emotional response associated with learning and formation of memory. Using a GPCR-based fluorescent sensor from a collaborator, Professor Yu-long Li and a custom-built fibre photometry system, the project will measure the release of oxytocin and AVP in real-time in freely moving animal as they undergo fear-conditioning learning. A second aim of the project is to develop an alternative system of measuring neuropeptide release using releasable fluorescent protein fragments as a surrogate for amount of neuropeptide release. This second aim was part of a grant previously funded by NIH in which the amount of fluorescence from complemented fluorescent proteins will inform us the amount of neuropeptide release during the behaviour in post-mortem histology. These projects will both develop and validate novel technologies for neuroscientific researches and also uncovers important roles of neuropeptides in neurophysiological functions.

Primary Supervisor

Meet Dr John Lin

Funding

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 $31,500 per annum (2023 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 desirable selection criteria specific to this project:

  • The candidate should have strong background in physics/engineering and chemistry.
  • The candidate should have achieved >80% marks in half of their units (or equivalent) in the last 2 years of their undergraduate studies.

Application process

There is a three-step application process:

  1. Select your project, and check you meet the eligibility and selection criteria;
  2. Contact the Primary Supervisor, Dr John Lin to discuss your suitability and the project's requirements; and
  3. 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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