What drives the Anterior Expansion of the Central Nervous System?

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.

A striking and highly conserved feature of the central nervous system is that the brain is larger than the spinal cord. Despite the manifest implications this has for nervous system function, the underlying drivers are largely unknown. This project aims to investigate the mechanisms controlling anterior expansion of the central nervous system, and will generate new knowledge in the areas of nervous system development and evolution. This project aims to impact on our understanding of nervous system function, develop bioinformatics tools with broad utility within the biosciences field, strengthen Australia’s international standing in the developmental neuroscience, and enhance the capacity for interdisciplinary international collaborations.

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

Professor Stefan Thor

Faculty of Medicine

Email: s.thor@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 mouse model system, molecular genetics, immunohistochemistry, omics, and bioinformatics would be of benefit to someone working on this project.

The applicant will demonstrate academic achievement in the field(s) of molecular genetics, developmental biology, neurobiology and the potential for scholastic success.

A background or knowledge of molecular genetics, developmental biology, and neurobiology is highly desirable.

Latest commencement date

If you are the successful candidate, you must commence by Research Quarter 1, 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.

View application process