Microglial response to hallmarks of Alzheimer’s disease

About the research project

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is the leading cause of dementia and death in Australia, yet no current therapy alters its core pathological mechanisms. Growing evidence shows that microglia, the brain’s immune cells, shift from protective to neurotoxic states during AD, driving synaptic dysfunction, inflammation and neuronal loss. Our preliminary data indicate that amyloid-β (Aβ), a key AD hallmark, activates a cellular pathway central to immune regulation but largely unexplored in AD. 

This PhD project addresses this knowledge gap by examining how AD histological hallmarks shape microglial physiology during AD progression and assessing whether targeting this pathway can modify the disease progression.  

The student will work in a multidisciplinary environment spanning neuroimmunology, biochemistry and molecular biology, with access to advanced facilities and strong collaborations across Australia and beyond. The PhD candidate will be trained in using bioorthogonal labelling and click chemistry to track newly synthesised proteins in various AD models, in novel proteomics and microscopy analysis techniques, and in interrogating the mechanistic relevance of their findings using appropriate experimental paradigms. The results will be validated in human post-mortem AD tissue to ensure translational significance. The PhD candidate will also be actively involved and trained in manuscript craftsmanship to publish in leading journals in the field. 

Understanding how microglia adopt neurotoxic states has broad implications, as similar transitions occur across neurodegenerative disorders involving protein aggregation, such as frontotemporal dementia, Parkinson’s disease and other related conditions. This PhD suits students in neuroscience, immunology or molecular biology who are motivated to advance mechanistic and translational research in neurodegeneration.

Primary supervisor

Meet Doctor Liviu-Gabriel 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, neuroimmunology, biochemistry, molecular biology and/or omics are encouraged to apply
• Applications are open to onshore, domestic or international candidates
• For international applicants, English language score must be above minimum entry requirements

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:

• Demonstrated wet lab work experience and/or willingness to learn cutting-edge biochemical and molecular biology techniques
• Expertise with cell cultures and/or animal laboratory experimentation techniques
• Ability to work with a diverse academic team

Additional desirable selection criteria specific to this project:

• Demonstrated ability to write reports, thesis and/or academic papers
• Demonstrated highly motivated candidates, with strong attention to detail and inner curiosity 

Application process

1. Select your project, and check that you meet the eligibility and selection criteria, including citizenship;
2. Contact Doctor Liviu-Gabriel 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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