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.
Supervisor – Dr Julie Wixey, j.wixey@uq.edu.au
Fetal growth restriction is where a baby fails to grow normally in the womb. The fetal brain is vulnerable to this condition and life-long disabilities in these infants include schooling and behavioural issues through to cerebral palsy. Currently there is no treatment to protect the growth restricted newborn from these adverse outcomes. This project will examine two promising treatments (stem cells and ibuprofen) to protect the growth restricted newborn brain. This research will greatly assist in the development and implication of treatments to improve life-long outcomes for growth restricted children.
A PhD opportunity is available for a student with an Honours/Masters degree in neuroscience, biochemistry, molecular biology or a related field to join the Perinatal Research Centre, UQ Centre for Clinical Research. The successful candidate will work on an exciting research project focused on neuroprotective therapies to reduce adverse brain outcomes following fetal growth restriction in a preclinical large animal model of growth restriction.
Preferred educational background
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 working knowledge of neuroscience, biochemistry, or molecular/developmental biology would be of benefit to someone working on this project.
The successful PhD candidate will utilise techniques including magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), electroencephalogram (EEG), behavioural testing, immunohistochemistry, ELISAs, and quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR). Previous work with animals is desired but not essential.
*The successful candidate must commence by Research Quarter 3, 2023. You should apply at least 3 months prior to the research quarter commencement date. International applicants may need to apply much earlier for visa reasons.