Degree type
PhD
Closing date
1 June 2025
Campus
Hobart
Citizenship requirement
Domestic
About the research project
Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a complex disease associated with immune cell infiltration of the central nervous system (CNS), myelin loss and neurodegeneration. The exact cause of MS is not known. Some common genetic risk factors have been identified, but most have no known biological role in MS. Our team has emerging evidence that there is intrinsic dysregulation of neuroinflammatory cell types, including microglia and astrocytes, in people with MS that contributes to disease onset and progression. This project aims to use a combination of animal and induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) to determine the molecular and cellular consequences of intrinsic neuroinflammatory dysregulation and identify how this contributes to MS development. This project will involved the handling and monitoring of transgenic animal models that are combined with animal models of inflammatory demyelination, culturing human iPSC cells and differentiating them into different types of brain cells, fluorescence microscopy, computational image analysis and protein biochemistry.
Primary Supervisor
Funding
Applicants will be considered for a Research Training Program (RTP) scholarship or Tasmania Graduate Research Scholarship (TGRS) which, if successful, 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
- Applications are open to Domestic and International applicants
- For International applicants, English language score must be above minimum entry requirements
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:
- Experience with cell culture, molecular biology and/or immunological assays
- Demonstrated ability to write reports, thesis and/or academic papers
- Ability to work with a diverse academic team
- Independently motivated and ability to troubleshoot problems
Additional desirable selection criteria specific to this project:
- Undergraduate training in neuroscience
- Experience cryosectionining and immunohistochemistry
- Working knowledge of rodent neuroanatomy
Application process
- Select your project, and check that you meet the eligibility and selection criteria, including citizenship;
- Contact Dr Jessica Fletcher 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 June 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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