Degree type
PhD
Closing date
1 June 2025
Campus
Hobart
Citizenship requirement
Domestic
About the research project
Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a complex brain disease in which immune cells attack the protective insulating sheaths that wrap around nerve cells causing symptoms such as fatigue, balance problems, sensory disturbances such as 'pins and needles' and brain fog. Treatments that target the immune system are effective in slowing down the progression of MS, but there are no effective treatments that prevent or reverse the neurological disability that people with MS live with. This project aims to identify new ways we can stimulate the myelinating cells in the brain, the oligodendrocytes, to make new myelin providing the foundation for brand new brain repair treatments.
In this project, you will look at the chain of events that occur inside oligodendrocytes when they make myelin to identify specific molecules that we can then selectively manipulate for myelin repair. This project will use human induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs), molecular biology tools, biochemistry and advanced confocal microscopy.
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 students
- For international applicants, English language scores 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 in cell culture
- Experience in fluorescence microscopy
- 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:
- Background biochemistry knowledge
- Experience in molecular biology (e.g. cloning) and/or immunological assays
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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