Investigating mobile DNA regulation and activity in a maternal immune activation model of schizophrenia.

About the research project

Schizophrenia (SZ) is a neurodevelopmental disorder that arises from a complex interplay of genetic, epigenetic and environmental factors, yet how these influences converge to drive disease remains unclear. Environmental risks such as maternal viral infection, prenatal malnutrition, advanced parental age and early-life stress are well established, while genetic susceptibility is broad and heterogeneous. Emerging evidence suggests that epigenetic regulation and mobile DNA, particularly Long Interspersed Element-1 (L1, the only active mobile DNA element in the human genome), may link environmental exposures with genetic vulnerability. L1 comprises ~17% of the genome and spreads within the same genome via a copy-paste mechanism, generating genomic mosaicism and altering gene regulation. Maternal immune activation, induced in mice by prenatal exposure to viral-like compounds, is a robust model that reproduces SZ-like molecular and behavioural phenotypes and shows altered L1 activity. Whether this dysregulation contributes causally to SZ remains unknown.

This PhD project will investigate how environmental stressors, such as viral infections during pregnancy, influence L1 activity and whether this contributes to disease phenotype. The work will use cutting-edge CRISPR-based methods (CRISPRi/CRISPRa) to modulate L1 activity in both animal models and cultured human neurons to define its role in neuronal function and disease pathology. To characterise the effects of L1 modulation, we will use tested L1 reporters, immunostaining assays, electrophysiology, and behavioural assays. Additionally, the project will leverage existing long-read sequencing and transcriptomic datasets from the maternal immune activation model to characterise L1 methylation and transcription. Training includes advanced molecular and cell biology, in vivo and in vitro disease models, epigenomics, and integrative computational analyses. 

Primary supervisor

Meet Doctor Gabriela Bodea

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 funded by University of Tasmania of $34,315 per annum 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)

A tuition fee offset may be offered to eligible international applicants following competitive assessment 

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 for undertaking a research degree, please visit our Scholarships and fees on research degrees page.

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:

• Candidates with backgrounds in neuroscience, bioinformatics and computational biology are encouraged to apply
• Willingness to carry out animal work
• Capacity to keep detailed and accurate records
• Ability to work collaboratively within a team

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:

• Highly motivated with background in molecular biology, neuroscience, bioinformatics, or epigenetics
• Demonstrated experience in coding languages such as R, Unix, Python
• Demonstrated ability to write scientific reports, thesis and/or academic papers
• Demonstrated experience and/or willingness to learn cutting-edge molecular biology and/or cell biology laboratory research

Additional desirable selection criteria specific to this project:

• Laboratory experience in working with in vivo models and/ or stem cell cultures.
• Experience in analysing or interpreting transcriptomics/ epigenomics datasets (e.g. RNAseq, DNA methylation, CUT&RUN).
• Laboratory experience in advanced molecular biology, cell biology, microscopy, and/or epigenetics techniques

Application process

1. Select your project, and check that you meet the eligibility and selection criteria, including citizenship;
2. Contact Doctor Gabriela Bodea to discuss your suitability and the project's requirements; and
3. 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.
4. Apply prior to 1 October 2026.

Full details of the application process can be found under the ' How to apply ' section of the Research Degrees website.

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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