CLN3 disease: are microglia the driver

About the research project

An early aspect of CLN3 disease is increased inflammation within the brain. The major inflammatory cell within the brain are microglia, cells that have various functions associated with maintaining the health and proper functioning of other cells. However, we do not yet completely understand how microglia are affected in CLN3 disease, or if they are involved in disease progression. Our goal in this project is to fill this knowledge gap. To do this, we will use advanced techniques in human stem cell biology to study human microglia in the laboratory. Alongside this work, we will test how microglia affect other cell types in the brain, by performing microglial transplants on a mouse model of CLN3 disease. We anticipate that we will find microglial cell functions that are aberrant in CLN3 disease, and learn about how these changes impact on other brain cells. Collectively, the data may lead to new drug targets, or even point to cell-based therapies that seek to repopulate the microglial cell population within the brain.

Primary supervisor

Meet Associate Professor Jenna Ziebell

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:

• 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.

Application process

1. Select your project, and check that you meet the eligibility and selection criteria, including citizenship;
2. Contact Associate Professor Jenna Ziebell 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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