PhD Scholarship in Developing New Treatments for Children with Brain Cancer
University of Queensland
Australia

Research Environment

UQ ranks in the top 50 as measured by the Performance Ranking of Scientific Papers for World Universities. The University also ranks 46 in the QS World University Rankings, 42 in the US News Best Global Universities Rankings, 66 in the Times Higher Education World University Rankings and 54 in the Academic Ranking of World Universities.

The University of Queensland Diamantina Institute

The University of Queensland Diamantina Institute (UQDI) was established in 2007 and forms a major research centre within the Faculty of Medicine. The aim of the Institute is to develop a better understanding of the molecular and cellular basis of disease, and to translate that understanding into practical outcomes for patients. Based at the Translational Research Institute (TRI) at the Princess Alexandra Hospital teaching campus in Brisbane, UQDI has more than 300 researchers, clinical academics and students who work closely with hospital clinicians in the areas of cancer, immunology, genomics and other areas of translational medicine. UQDI has particular research strengths in skin cancers, blood cancers and autoimmunity.

UQDI has a mission of translating discoveries into better treatments and has a strong record of achievement, most notably in the development of cancer therapies: research at UQDI by Professor Ian Frazer AC FRS led to the development of the cervical cancer vaccine Gardasil. UQDI is the largest partner in the TRI, which is an extremely well-equipped translational biomedical research institute, with outstanding laboratories and core facilities for imaging, microscopy, flow-cytometry and in vivo models of disease. Its close affiliation with clinical units at Princess Alexandra Hospital provides UQDI with a significant strategic advantage in near-patient, translational research. 

UQDI is part of The University of Queensland, one of the top Australasian universities, and internationally is ranked in the top 100 universities in all major independent rankings. UQDI academics are part of a vibrant and highly successful academic institution optimising their chances of research success. Details of the research interests of academic staff may be accessed on the Institute’s website.

The award

Supervisor - Professor Brandon Wainwright

Brain cancer is the most common cause of cancer-related death in children.  The Wainwright laboratory discovered the first gene known to cause brain tumours in children and since that time has been focused on using genetic/genomic and developmental biology approaches to understand the genesis of paediatric brain tumours and develop new therapies.  The Children's Brain Cancer Initiative based at UQDI is a collaboration between multiple Universities and Research Institutes, and the Queensland Children's Hospital.  As part of this Initiative we have PhD scholarships for suitably qualified applicants.

Selection criteria

To be eligible to apply, you must also meet the entry requirements for Higher Degrees by Research at UQ. This scholarship is open to Australian citizens, permanent residents and International students who are currently in Australia at the time of application and commencement.

Applications will be judged on a competitive basis taking into account the applicant’s previous academic record, publication record, honours and awards, and employment history. 

A background or knowledge of cell and molecular biology and genetics/genomics is highly desirable.

Scholarship

The 2021 Research Training Program (RTP) living allowance stipend rate is AUD$28,597 per annum (indexed annually), which is tax-free for three years with two possible extensions of up to 6 months each in approved circumstances (conditions apply).

Enquiries

For further information, please contact Professor Brandon Wainwright at b.wainwright@uq.edu.au

How to apply

To apply for admission and scholarship, follow this link. There is no separate application for scholarship because you will have the opportunity to request scholarship consideration on the application for admission.

Before submitting an application you should:

• check your eligibility 
• prepare your documentation
• contact Professor Brandon Wainwright (b.wainwright@uq.edu.au) to discuss your suitability for this scholarship

When you apply, please ensure that under the scholarships and collaborative study section you:

1. Select ‘My higher degree is not collaborative’
2. Select 'I am applying for, or have been awarded a scholarship or sponsorship'.
3. Select ‘Other’, then ‘Research Project Scholarship’ and type in ‘BRAIN CANCER-WAINWRIGHT’ in the 'Name of scholarship' field.

See an example of what you have to do

Learn more about applying for a higher degree by research at UQ

Applications close: 15 March 2021 (11:00 PM) E. Australia Standard Time