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 – Associate Professor Andrew Mallett, a.mallett@imb.uq.edu.au
Autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD), a rare, devastating genetic disease for multiple generations of Australian families, is the fourth leading global cause of kidney failure, affecting 12.5 million people worldwide. Prolific cyst growth begins in childhood, and over decades culminates in enlarged painful kidneys, early-onset hypertension and chronic kidney disease. The crippling symptom burden of ADPKD occurs in conjunction with a high prevalence of anxiety, depression and poor quality of life. Despite this enormous burden, there is a lack of evidence for current therapies, and affordable, effective treatment options remain an unmet need for ADPKD sufferers and their families. To date, only one disease modifying therapy has been licensed for use in ADPKD, and its uptake has been stymied by its restricted availability, side effect profile and high cost.
The Implementation of Metformin theraPy to Ease DEcline of kidney function in PKD (IMPEDE-PKD) is an Australian-led global phase 3 randomised control trial to investigate the impact that metformin, an inexpensive and familiar drug, might have on ADPKD disease progression, in the hope that identification of effective and targeted therapies for ADPKD will slow kidney function decline, reduce morbidity and mortality, and improve the quality of life for affected Australian patients and families.
Successful candidates will join an established network of post-graduate and early career researchers, who are provided access to support in multidisciplinary research methods, and opportunities for knowledge exchange, networking and collaboration.
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 Polycystic Kidney Disease would be of benefit to someone working on this project.
The applicant will demonstrate academic achievement in the field(s) of Health Sciences and the potential for scholastic success.
A background or knowledge of Medicine is highly desirable.
*The successful candidate must commence by Research Quarter 2, 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.