Application is now open for Investigating the Metabolomic Basis of the Pathogenesis of COPD and COVID-19 at the University of Technology Sydney. Interested applicants are encouraged to send their applications in before the deadline date.
About the University of Technology Sydney and Scholarship
Sydney, New South Wales, Australia is home to the University of Technology Sydney (UTS), a public research institution.
Outstanding applicants with a background in biomedical sciences, pharmacology, pharmacy, or a related field are encouraged to apply for a fully supported PhD fellowship at the Centre for Inflammation, Centenary Institute, under the direction of Dr. Matt O’Rourke and Prof. Phil Hansbro.
The two most common causes of morbidity in the field of respiratory disease are severe asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Severe asthma causes significant breathing problems and sickness, wheezing in asthma, and COPD frequently results in death. The results for people with chronic respiratory diseases have also been worse as a result of the current COVID-19 epidemic. The goal of this study is to characterize the metabolomic characteristics of COPD and COVID-19 using cutting-edge mass spectrometry methods and to incorporate those findings into existing proteome and transcriptome investigations. While working in the UTS PC2 laboratories, students will get the chance to master the fundamentals of mass spectrometry methods like LCMS, metabolite extraction and purification, and mass spectrometry imaging.
Severe Asthma and Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) are the two most common respiratory diseases that cause severe breathing problems and sickness, wheezing in Asthma, and frequent mortality in COPD. Patients with chronic respiratory diseases are now seeing poorer results as a result of the current COVID-19 epidemic. The outcome is a huge ongoing expense for both people and health systems throughout the world. One of only four Australian research facilities equipped to examine in-vivo COVID-19 infections is the CFI UTS/Centenary Institute, which is directed by Prof. Hansbro and has a distinguished history in the development of human-representative animal models to study severe asthma and COPD.
The goal of this study is to characterize the metabolomic characteristics of COPD and COVID-19 using cutting-edge mass spectrometry methods and to incorporate those findings into existing proteome and transcriptome investigations. While working in the UTS PC2 laboratories, students will get the chance to master the fundamentals of mass spectrometry methods like LCMS, metabolite extraction and purification, and mass spectrometry imaging. Prof. Phil Hansbro at the Center For Inflammation, Centenary Institute, and Post-Doctoral Fellow Dr. Matt O’Rourke at the UTS proteomics node will be the candidates’ primary mentors. The integration of metabolomics data with transcriptomics and proteomics will be practiced by the students. A multi-“omics” based thesis will be the final product.
Additionally, students will be able to advance their knowledge in bioinformatics, image analysis, and the creation and distribution of peer-reviewed papers. Additionally, students will get the chance to take part in regional gatherings and academic seminars as well as present their research at conferences that are known globally.
Details about Investigating the Metabolomic Basis of the Pathogenesis of COPD and COVID-19 at the University of Technology Sydney:
Scholarship Sponsor: University of Technology Sydney, Australia
Scholarship Value: $32,500 per year (RTP Stipend rate, indexed annually); additional funds ($7.5k) during the PhD for travel and other PhD-related expenses.
Number of awards: N/A
Study level: PhD
Host Institution(s): University of Technology Sydney, Australia
Eligibility Criteria for Investigating the Metabolomic Basis of the Pathogenesis of COPD and COVID-19
Candidates are advised to meet the following requirements to be eligible for Investigating the Metabolomic Basis of the Pathogenesis of COPD and COVID-19 at the University of Technology Sydney:
- Candidates must be either nationals of New Zealand or permanent residents of Australia.
- Candidates must be holders of a bachelor’s degree in a biological or medical field.
- Have a proven track record in the classroom and have laboratory experience
- Completion of an Honours degree with a First Class, Second Class, or Division 1; an MSc in Research; or an MSc in Coursework with a research thesis lasting at least six months.
Selection Procedure
- Possess great communication skills, the capacity to work with a variety of individuals and within existing collaborative teams, and be highly driven and capable of working independently.
- Possess an understanding of the needs and environment of a research or laboratory
- Know how to use common research applications on a computer.
- Be able to conduct in vivo mouse models. be able to keep meticulous lab records.
- Have experience with common lab techniques like ELISA, RNA extraction, reverse transcription, qPCR, western blotting, cell culture, aseptic technique, histological analysis, Immunohistochemistry, Immunofluorescence, flow cytometry, and primer design.
Application Process for Investigating the Metabolomic Basis of the Pathogenesis of COPD and COVID-19
Prospective applicants may contact Prof. Phil Hansbro for further information and application instructions. Please send your CV and a brief description of your interest in the project. Shortlisted candidates will be contacted for more information. For more information, please contact Prof. Phil Hansbro.
The Submission Deadline is: 01 November 2023
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