Biofunctional Nanomaterials PhD Scholarships

Overview

The project seeks to study the ability of ESKAPE bacterial pathogens in mixed-species biofilm consortium to evolve adaptation phenomena to multi-targeting nanoparticles, now among the most important alternative antimicrobials. Using cutting-edge microscopy and molecular biology techniques, the project aims to understand how nanoparticle penetrate the biofilm protective polymer layers to then target the mixed-species bacterial biomass structures underneath, and in turn, how the bacteria evolve defence mechanisms to adapt to the complex antimicrobial activities. Pathogens commonly grow as mixed-species consortium, and are capable of species-to-species cross-communication, ultimately orchestrating a defence mechanism for protection against antimicrobial targeting. The generated knowledge of the molecular basis of the adaptation phenomena will enable development of technologies to overcome the phenomena and preserve the efficacies of important alternative antimicrobials in this era of increasing antibiotic resistance.

Who is eligible?

Applicants can be International or domestic student – either permanent Australian residents or New Zealand citizens. To be eligible for this application, applicants must have completed a UTS recognised degree in

• MSc Research or MSc Coursework with a research thesis of at least 6 months,
• or Bachelor Honours degree with 1st Class, or 2nd Class Division 1, or division 1 honours, or an equivalent or higher qualification,
• or submitted other evidence of general and professional qualifications that demonstrates potential to pursue graduate research studies.

International students

Visa requirement: To obtain a student visa to study in Australia, international students must enrol full time and on campus. Australian student visa regulations also require international students studying on student visas to complete the course within the standard full-time duration. Students can extend their courses only in exceptional circumstances.

Selection process

A background expertise in bacterial culturing, microscopy, cellular assays are preferable.

How to apply

Applicants should send their CV, list of publications, and selection criteria to A/Prof Cindy Gunawan, Cindy.Gunawan@uts.edu.au by the closing date. Shortlisted candidates will be advised with further details.

Need more information? Contact…

A/Prof Cindy Gunawan , Cindy.Gunawan@uts.edu.au

Other information

The PhD candidates will gain expertise in advanced cell structure and biofilm microscopy, genomic and RNA analysis, protein and metabolite profiling .

Value

$32,500 per year (RTP Stipend rate, indexed annually); additional funds ($7.5k) during the course of the PhD for travel and other PhD-related expenses.

Duration

3.5 years