Degree type
PhD
Closing date
1 February 2025
Campus
Hobart
Citizenship requirement
Domestic / International
About the research project
Disruption of endoplasmic reticulum (ER) homeostasis, and the subsequent accumulation of misfolded proteins in the ER is considered as significant contributor to neurodegenerative diseases, such as Alzheimer's disease (AD) and Parkinson's disease (PD). This pathology triggers the Unfolded Protein Response (UPR), a cellular defense mechanism that aims to restore normal ER function by halting protein translation, degrading misfolded proteins, and increasing molecular chaperone levels. The UPR can counteract ER dysfunction only to some extent, beyond which this pathology is termed ER stress. Cells can normally compensate temporary ER stress, while chronic ER stress can exacerbate cellular damage and contribute to disease progression.
To discover potential treatments against ER stress, robust and predictive cellular models are required to identify strategies that can modulate ER stress in favor of cell survival. Stable, validated cell lines expressing reporter genes driven by ER stress response elements, enable the identification of novel drug candidates by screening drug libraries to identify candidates that restore ER homeostasis. In addition, this approach also provides the opportunity to screen drugs that are already marketed, which could lead to their repurposing for conditions associated with ER stress. Finally, reporter cell lines targeted to ER stress markers will also illuminate the role of specific key proteins in ER activity.
The objective of this project is to establish and validate cell lines stably expressing reporter genes driven by ER stress response elements to develop and optimize efficient methods for characterizing the effects of pharmacological modulators on ER stress markers. The development and optimization of methods to analyze ER stress responses will provide insights into disease mechanisms and potentially lead to the discovery of novel biomarkers, therapeutic targets and novel treatment approaches.
Finally, beyond neurodegenerative diseases, the knowledge of biomarkers and potential drug candidates arising from this project can be applied to other disease conditions affected by ER stress, such as diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, and liver disorders.
Primary Supervisor
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 $33,511 per annum (2025 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.
Other funding opportunities and fees
For further information regarding other scholarships on offer, and the various fees of undertaking a research degree, please visit Scholarships and fees.
Eligibility
Applicants should review the Higher Degree by Research minimum entry requirements.
Ensure your eligibility for the scholarship round by referring to our Key Dates.
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:
- Cell Culture related skills: Proficiency in maintaining and handling various cell lines and performing aseptic techniques
- Proficiency using statistical software and demonstrated understanding of statistical methods for experimental data analysis
- Strong organizational skills for effective laboratory management and proven ability to achieve goals and deliver results within specified timeframes
- Educational Qualifications: A degree with a significant research component (e.g., Research Master's degree, Master's degree with a thesis component, or Bachelor degree with first-class Honours)
- Analytical and Writing Skills: Strong analytical and writing skills, evidenced by submitting a piece of written work, such as publications in peer-reviewed journals
- Interpersonal and Interdisciplinary Skills: Excellent interpersonal communication skills, proven ability to work effectively in teams, and capacity to work across various disciplines with prior clinical knowledge
Additional desirable selection criteria specific to this project:
- Knowledge of molecular biology skills such as PCR, qPCR, and Western blotting, and experience with fluorescence microscopy
- Other desirable skills include bioinformatics tools, technical writing abilities for scientific documents, and experience in multidisciplinary team collaboration
Application process
- Select your project, and check that you meet the eligibility and selection criteria, including citizenship;
- Contact Dr Mohammed Sedeeq to discuss your suitability and the project's requirements; and
- In your application:
- 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.
- Submit a signed supervisory support form, a CV including contact details of 2 referees and your project research proposal.
- Apply prior to 1 February 2025.
Full details of the application process can be found under the 'How to apply' section at Research degrees.
Following the 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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