Degree type
PhD
Closing date
1 April 2025
Campus
Hobart
Citizenship requirement
Domestic / International
Scholarship
$33,511pa for 3.5 years
About the research project
Different dietary patterns will result in variable intakes of macronutrients (fat, protein, and carbohydrates) and micronutrients (vitamins, minerals, and trace elements). There has been extensive research about the role of specific nutrients, and dietary habits, in complex human disease (e.g., cardiovascular, neurological, autoimmune etc.), although there is often significant variability in response to dietary intervention. Recent work has revealed an important influence of genetics on nutrient biology that impacts factors including the absorption, metabolism, transport, and function of specific nutrients. However, there is much still unknown about how genetic factors affect the utility of dietary interventions in the primary prevention and management human disease.
Our efforts to disentangle genetic influences on nutrition related interventions fall into two programs of work. The first interrogates the biological consequences of different dietary patterns. The project will use approaches such as metabolomics and explore how genetic influences impact response to diet in chronic human disease such as neurological and cardiovascular diseases. The second approach draws on our involvement in global efforts to discover novel genetic factors involved in biology of micronutrients. We aim to identify the core pathways responsible for micronutrient regulation in humans. This PhD project has the capacity to draw on both themes, with access to diverse national and international datasets in which to explore these questions.
Prospective applicants with an interest in the clinical and biological implications of genetics in humans are encouraged to apply. A track-record in genetics, nutrition science, biostatistics and/or biochemistry would be advantageous. In addition, experience with coding, or a desire to learn, is required.
Primary Supervisor
Funding
The successful applicant will receive a scholarship which provides:
- a living allowance stipend of $33,511 per annum (2025 rate, indexed annually) 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)
If successful, international applicants will receive a University of Tasmania Fees Offset for up to four years.
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 of undertaking a research degree, please visit Scholarships and fees.
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
- An undergraduate degree with first class honours in any of the following: nutrition and dietetics, science, medical science, engineering, or computer science, and/or a masters degree in one of those disciplines.
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.
Additional essential selection criteria specific to this project:
- Willingness to learn and apply coding
- Willingness to apply, or learn, various statistical and epidemiological methods
Additional desirable selection criteria specific to this project:
- Experience with statistical genetics and/or functional genomics
- Some familiarity with nutrition science
- Proficiency with statistical analysis
- Experience coding using languages including R and python, with previous experience in a high-performance computing environment also an advantage.
Application process
- Select your project, and check that you meet the eligibility and selection criteria, including citizenship;
- Contact Dr William Reay to discuss your suitability and the project's requirements; and
- 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.
- Apply prior to 1 April 2025.
Full details of the application process can be found under the 'How to apply' section at Research degrees.
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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