Development of targeted therapy for glioblastoma University of Newcastle in Australia

This University of Newcastle PhD Scholarship supports the important collaboration between the university and the Mark Hughes Foundation (MHF). Since 2021, the MHF has made a significant philanthropic commitment of $15 Million to the university which has allowed the establishment of the MHF Centre for Brain Cancer Research at the University of Newcastle. With this philanthropic commitment, the university has established a dedicated brain cancer team under the leadership of Prof Michael Fay, that will drive a program of research to improve the lives of people affected by brain cancer, and better understand its causes and treatment.SupervisionThe successful applicant will join the Cancer Neuroscience Laboratory situated within the School of Biomedical Sciences & Pharmacy and the Hunter Medicial Research Institute (HMRI), under the co-supervision of Professor Hubert Hondermarck , Dr. Chen Chen Jiang , and Professor Michael Fay . With a specialised focus on investigating the role of neuronal cells in cancer initiation and progression, the laboratory is committed to pioneering innovative anti-cancer therapies by targeting the interactions between neurons and cancer cells. This research is conducted in close partnership with the Mark Hughes Foundation (MHF) Centre for Brain Cancer Research , ensuring alignment with cutting-edge initiatives in brain cancer research and treatment.BackgroundThe project centers on the development of a novel and highly targeted therapy for glioblastoma, a particularly aggressive form of brain cancer. This proposed therapy has the potential of enhancing the efficacy of current glioblastoma treatments (chemotherapy and radiotherapy), while concurrently mitigating neuronal loss often associated with existing treatment protocols. The efficacy and safety of this therapy will be rigorously evaluated through preclinical models, with the ultimate goal of laying the ground for the implementation of a clinical trial.The successful candidate will have the opportunity to gain invaluable expertise across a diverse array of disciplines, encompassing experimental oncology, utilization of in vitro and in vivo animal models, biochemistry, molecular biology, immunohistochemistry, and bioinformatics. We are seeking an individual who demonstrate a keen interest in cancer neuroscience and related fields.Desirable candidate skills include willingness in executing research protocols, and experimental design, work in multidisciplinary research environments, actively communicate and collaborate, motivation to contribute to advancements in cancer neuroscience and clinical applications. The PhD candidate will have access to advanced biomedical research laboratories and clinical data housed within the MHF Centre for Brain Cancer Research.PhD Scholarship details Funding: $32,192 per annum (2024 rate) indexed annually. For a PhD candidate, the living allowance scholarship is for 3.5 years and the tuition fee scholarship is for four years. Scholarships also include up to $1,500 relocation allowance as well as $7,500 for consumables / research related costs. A stipend top-up will be negotiated by the MHF Centre with the successful candidate.Supervisor: Professor Hubert HondermarckAvailable to: Domestic studentsPhDEligibility Criteria To be eligible to apply for this foundation scholarship, you will:Have an honours or Masters degreeBe an Australian Citizen or Permanent Resident.Be able to commence by 01 August 2024Meet the admissions criteria for entry into a University of Newcastle PhD program;Not hold another University of Newcastle donor-funded or sponsored scholarship concurrently; andSubmit the required documentation no later than the application closing date.Please review the Scholarship Conditions documentApplication Procedure Interested applicants should send an email expressing their interest along with scanned copies of their academic transcripts, CV, a brief statement of their research interests and a proposal that specifically links them to the research project.For assistance with submitting your application, please contact the MHF Centre’s Manager:Ms Kylie HugoE: [email protected]Please send the email expressing interest to [email protected] by 5pm on 24 July 2024.