PhD Scholarship: Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and long COVID
- Parklands Dr, Southport QLD 4215, Australia
- Full-time
- Primary Location (Campus): Gold Coast Campus
- Employment Type: Full Time
- Department ID: Griffith Graduate Research School - PGS
- Appointment Type: Fixed Term
Company Description
About us
The National Centre for Neuroimmunology and Emerging Diseases (NCNED) is a world-class research facility focusing on Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME/CFS) and long COVID.
Our research is world-leading in the area of identification of the pathology, development of a screen/diagnostic test and drug treatments for ME/CFS and long COVID patients. Our aim is to translate our research to improve patient outcomes in the area of preventative medicine, social and clinical care, and public health.
Further, the NCNED is committed to ensuring the success of higher degree research students and early career researchers. The NCNED has been successful in training and fostering up-and-coming researchers resulting in employability of candidates.
Griffith Health and NCNED are looking to invest in the future of health research with higher degree by offering The Brotchie-Wallace Stafford Fox Medical Research Foundation scholarships. A PhD position is available to undertake research led by Professor Sonya Marshall-Gradisnik.
Job Description
The primary focus of this role is to elucidate the role of transient receptor potential (TRP) ion channels in the pathophysiology of ME/CFS and long COVID and as a potential pharmacotherapeutic target for treatment. Further, the NCNED will embark on a clinical trial to assess the efficacy of repurposed treatments on TRP ion channel function. This role will also involve the collection of clinical data to determine therapeutic effects.
This project aims to utilise a multi-disciplinary approach to investigate both immunological and ion channel disturbances. This project will employ novel laboratory approaches, such as patch clamp electrophysiology, microscopy and flow cytometry, in addition to analysis and collection of epidemiological data.
Qualifications
This scholarship is open to new and current domestic and international applicants who currently reside in Australia. To be successful in this role, you must be able to develop technical laboratory and methodology skills, data analysis, and scientific writing.
- Expressions of interest are welcome from domestic and international applicants.
- Applicants must have completed, or expect to complete, a bachelors degree with honours equivalent to first class honours or a Masters degree (AQF Level 9) incorporating a significant research component of a standard comparable to a bachelor honours degree or be regarded by Griffith University as having an equivalent level of attainment in accordance with Schedule One of the HDR Scholarship Procedure. For further information on the eligibility requirements for the program refer here.
Please note:
A competitive candidate will have knowledge of ME/CFS and long COVID, statistical software packages, and laboratory techniques.
International applicants should ensure that English Language Proficiency requirements for the program are met before formally applying. Applicants to research programs will need to show they meet:
- A minimum overall band score of 6.5 on the IELTS (Academic) with no band score less than 6.0 OR
- A minimum score of 575 on the paper-based TOEFL including a score of no less than 5.0 on the TWE OR
- A score of 79 on the internet-based (iBT) TOEFL with no sub-score less than 19
Additional Information
About the scholarship
The living allowance stipend will be $33,480 per annum tax-free for three years (2024 rate, indexed annually). Project funding to undertake the research, conference travel and incidentals is also provided.
A successful international applicant will also be awarded a Griffith University International Postgraduate Research Scholarship to cover tuition fees for up to three years (noting the onshore requirement mentioned previously). Please see the
GUIPRS Conditions of Award for more information.
EoI process
Please do
not select the “APPLY” button. All expressions of interest must be submitted to
ncned@griffith.edu.au containing:
- Statement addressing your suitability for the project/scholarship
- Evidence that you have completed a program with the required grades as detailed in the about you section
- A curriculum vitae (CV) using the Griffith CV template.
The closing date for expressions of interest is: 5pm Thursday, 20 June 2024
