MS Transcriptomics

About the research project

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a complex diseases associated with immune cell infiltration of the central nervous system (CNS), myelin loss and neurodegeneration. The exact cause of MS is not known. Understanding the order of cellular and molecular events that give rise to MS pathology and symptoms should enable us to identify and develop more effective treatment strategies that stop the neurodegenerative component of the disease. This project will use transcriptomic data (e.g. spatial transcriptomics, RNA-sequencing) from unique animal and cellular models to identify the disease processes that cause the neurologic disability that people living with MS experience. 

The majority of this project is is computational, and will involve the application of bioinformatics workflows and software packages on transcriptomic data to understand complex biological pathways. While there is flexibility to validate some findings in the laboratory, wet lab work will only be a small component of this project.

Primary supervisor

Meet Doctor Jessica Fletcher

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:

• For international applicants, English language score must be above minimum entry requirements
• 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:

• Some exposure to command line or coding languages (e.g. R, python, Java, C++)
• Demonstrated ability to write reports, thesis and/or academic papers
• Ability to work with a diverse academic team
• Independently motivated and ability to troubleshoot problems

Additional desirable selection criteria specific to this project:

• Undergraduate training in neuroscience, genomics, bioinformatics, cell biology and/or statistics

Application process

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

Apply nowExplore other projects