Summary
The NSW RNA Research and Training Network offers multiple PhD scholarships across various leading universities in Australia focused on innovative RNA research. These scholarships aim to support high-caliber candidates in fields relevant to RNA biology and its applications.
- 🎓 Student Network Opportunities – Multiple postgraduate training and PhD scholarships available across Australian universities, focusing on RNA biology, therapeutics, and biotechnology.
- 🧬 Charles Sturt University: RNA & Genome Reprogramming – Study RNA regulation during sperm development to understand chromatin dynamics; supervisors: Prof Jade Forwood & A/Prof Tanya Sobeleva; eligibility: molecular biology/genetics/RNA biology background.
- 💉 Charles Sturt University: RNA Therapeutics for Viral Infection – Develop RNA-based inhibitors targeting host nuclear localisation pathways critical for viral infection; supervisors: Dr Brian McSharry & Prof Jade Forwood; eligibility: HDR students with Honours/Masters.
- 🧪 University of Newcastle: AI-designed Lipids for RNA Delivery – Rational design of zwitterionic ionizable lipids for extrahepatic RNA delivery using AI; supervisors: A/Prof Roger Liang & Prof Nathan Bartlett; eligibility: chemistry, biomedical, pharmaceutical or biotech background.
- 📰 University of Newcastle: Public Perception of RNA Vaccines – Study media representation and public understanding of RNA therapeutics; supervisors: Dr Elaine Xu, A/Prof Caragh Brosnan, Dr Lex Xia; eligibility: communication, public health, or sociology background.
- 🐔 University of New England: Thermostable RNA Vaccines for Agriculture – Develop trehalose-based RNA vaccine carriers for poultry to eliminate ultra-cold storage; supervisors: Dr Brendan Wilkinson & team; eligibility: chemistry/biochemistry background, willing to perform animal experiments.
- 👁️ University of New England: Fluorescent Nanocarriers for Glaucoma Therapy – Janus dendrimer-based RNA delivery with imaging for retinal therapy; supervisors: Dr Nitin Chitranshi & team; eligibility: chemistry, biomedical science, or pharmaceutical background.
- 🧬 University of Wollongong: RNAi Delivery for Pancreatic Cancer – Localised RNAi implants to target tumours and stromal components; supervisors: A/Prof Kara Vine-Perrow & team; eligibility: molecular biology/biomedical engineering background.
- 🫁 University of Wollongong: PINADs for Pulmonary Fibrosis – Use heterobifunctional molecules to degrade non-coding RNAs implicated in fibrosis; supervisors: Prof Haibo Yu & Prof Chris Hyland; eligibility: organic synthesis/medicinal chemistry background.
- 🧬 University of Wollongong: Targeting Endogenous Retroviral RNAs – Develop CIRTS-based RNA-targeting tools for HERV-K and other repeat RNAs; supervisors: Dr Dezerae Cox & Prof Heath Ecroyd; eligibility: lab and computational skills.
- 🧠 Western Sydney University: RNA Therapeutics for Alzheimer’s – Design RNA constructs to target neurodegeneration pathways; supervisor: Mourad Tayebi; eligibility: advanced molecular neuroscience or RNA biology background, domestic students only.
- 🐄 Western Sydney University: RNA Vaccines & Probiotics for Livestock – Reprogram rumen microbiome to reduce methane and improve health; supervisor: Mourad Tayebi; eligibility: molecular biology/RNA biology domestic PhD candidates.
- 🎓 University of Sydney: 2 PhD Scholarships – Support for high-calibre candidates in NSW RNA Research & Training Network with stipend and professional development opportunities; supervisors TBD.
Designation
PhD Scholarships
Research Area
- RNA Regulation of Histone Removal during Genome Reprogramming
- Developing RNA Therapeutics to Target Host Pathways Key to Viral Infection
- AI Integrated Rational Design of Zwitterionic Ionizable Lipids for Nucleic Acid Delivery
- Media Representation and Public Perception of RNA Vaccines
- Thermostable RNA Vaccine Carriers for Agriculture
- RNA-based Glaucoma Therapies
- RNAi Delivery for Pancreatic Cancer
Location
Various universities in New South Wales, Australia, including:
- Charles Sturt University
- University of Newcastle
- University of Wollongong
- University of Sydney
- Western Sydney University
Eligibility/Qualification
- Relevant background in molecular biology, biochemistry, genetics, RNA biology, communication studies, or any related field.
- Specific eligibility may vary by project; see individual project descriptions for details.
- Domestic and international candidates welcome, depending on the scholarship.
Job Description
Each scholarship involves conducting cutting-edge research in RNA therapeutics and related fields. Candidates will work under the guidance of experienced supervisors, contributing to impactful projects that aim to advance scientific knowledge and address major health and agricultural challenges.
How to Apply
Interested applicants should submit an Expression of Interest to the relevant supervisor listed for each project. Applications typically include a CV, academic transcripts, and a brief statement detailing research interests and suitability.
| Project Title | Supervisor | Application Contact |
|---|---|---|
| RNA Regulation of Histone Removal | Prof Jade Forwood | Contact Prof Jade Forwood |
| Developing RNA Therapeutics to Target Viral Infection | Dr Brian McSharry | Contact Dr Brian McSharry |
| AI Integrated Design of Zwitterionic Lipids | A/Prof Roger Liang | Contact A/Prof Roger Liang |
| Media Perception of RNA Vaccines | Dr Elaine Xu | Contact Dr Elaine Xu |
| Thermostable RNA Vaccine Carriers for Agriculture | Dr Brendan Wilkinson | Contact Dr Brendan Wilkinson |
| RNA-based Glaucoma Therapies | Dr Nitin Chitranshi | Contact Dr Nitin Chitranshi |
| RNAi Delivery for Pancreatic Cancer | Prof Haibo Yu | Contact Prof Haibo Yu |
Last Date to Apply
Varies
Please check with the respective supervisors for individual project application deadlines as they may vary.
For more detailed inquiry regarding each scholarship, please refer to the respective contact persons mentioned for each project.
