Project opportunity
This Earmarked Scholarship project is aligned with a recently awarded Category 1 research grant. It offers you the opportunity to work with leading researchers and contribute to large projects of national significance.
The cerebral cortex, or neocortex, is the most complex structure known in the universe, and is thought to be the seat of most of human cognitive capacities. Precisely how neurons of the cerebral cortex connect to each other during development remains largely unknown, but it involves mutual interactions between gene expression and electrical activity. This project will study how these two dimensions interact during the self-assembly of cortical circuits using pouch-young marsupials as animal models. The ideal PhD candidate will have expertise and/or willingness to learn and excel in molecular/developmental neuroscience, neurophysiology/live microscopy, computational neuroscience and/or bioinformatics, and be able to work with live animals under strict standards of animal ethics compliance.
Scholarship value
As a scholarship recipient, you'll receive:
- living stipend of $32,192 per annum tax free (2023 rate), indexed annually
- tuition fees covered
- single Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC)
Supervisor
Dr Rodrigo Suarez
Faculty of Medicine
Email: r.suarez@uq.edu.au
Preferred educational background
Your application will be assessed on a competitive basis.
We take into account your
- previous academic record
- publication record
- honours and awards
- employment history.
A working knowledge of live microscopy, neurophysiology and/or bioinformatics would be of benefit to someone working on this project.
The applicant will demonstrate academic achievement in the field(s) of neuroscience or systems biology and the potential for scholastic success.
A background or knowledge of computational neuroscience is highly desirable.
Latest commencement date
If you are the successful candidate, you must commence by Research Quarter 3, 2024. You should apply at least 3 months prior to the research quarter commencement date.
If you are an international applicant, you may need to apply much earlier for visa requirements.
How to apply
You apply for this project as part of your PhD program application.