PhD Scholarship – Development of novel Radiotracers for the Fibrosis

Detection - PhD scholarship available with an International Team

Job No.: 648919

Location: The Alfred Centre

Employment Type: Full-time

Duration: 3.5-year fixed-term appointment

Remuneration: The successful applicant will receive a tax-free stipend, at the current value of $29,500 per annum 2022 full-time rate, as per the Monash Research Training Program (RTP) Stipend www. monash.edu/study/fees- scholarships/scholarships/find-a-scholarship/research-training-program- scholarship#scholarship-details

Fibrosis is a scarring process characterised by the excessive deposition of connective tissue, notably collagen, leading to distorted architecture and function of various vital organs, including the heart, kidney, liver and lung. Progressive fibrotic remodelling often leads to organ malfunction and is associated with high morbidity and mortality. Current imaging techniques of fibrosis are indirect and possess substantial limitations, hence the medical need for accurate and sensitive diagnosis is very high. A hallmark of active disease is matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) causing distinct changes in the extracellular matrix (ECM) based on their capacity to cleave structural proteins such as collagens especially collagen IV. Thus, degraded collagens uniquely mark active disease and remodelling of the heart and lung, as they are generated by these potent MMPs that are upregulated during acute pathology.

The development of such a molecular imaging probe for direct and sensitive detection of fibrosis during the early stages of pathology would represent a true breakthrough in the field, enabling early detection and staging of those diseases. New insights into the pathogenesis of fibrotic diseases and the development of drugs for their treatment could be provided, especially taking into consideration the burden of COVID-19 on the lung, kidney and heart.

We are seeking expressions of interest from enthusiastic PhD applicants to join a supportive, vibrant research team. A full PhD scholarship for 3.5 years will be offered to successful candidates (PR or Australian citizen) including $10k for travel to England and 1-3 months spent overseas (England & Germany for training). Depending on the thesis topic, the supervision team may include Dr Karen Alt, Dr Richard Amison (UK), Professor Christoph Hagemeyer, Dr Bianca Jupp and/or additional supervisor(s) with relevant expertise. Topics for PhD theses will be worked out collaboratively between the applicants and the supervision team. There will be ample opportunities for PhD candidates to carve out a research area of their own.

Eligibility requirements:

Monash University seeks applicants for this opportunity who are able to demonstrate and present valid and current Australian work rights.

Admission to a PhD detailed here:

www. monash.edu/admissions/entry-requirements/minimum

It is expected that applicants will have knowledge of and/or experience with the Australian primary health care system. Clinical experience in either primary care nursing, general practice, rural or allied health is desirable but not mandatory.

The project is based in Melbourne, Australia, and is available for immediate start.

How to apply

For general instructions on how to apply for roles at Monash, please refer to "How to apply for Monash Jobs".

To express your interest in this scholarship and PhD research opportunity, we request candidates provide:

Enquiries

Dr Karen Alt, Senior Research Fellow, [email protected]

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