PhD Scholarship: Engineering of Mesenchymal Stromal Cell Metabolism for Reliable Cell Therapies
PhD scholarship opportunity at the
University of Queensland
in the
School of Chemical Engineering
for a project on
engineering mesenchymal stromal cell (MSC) metabolism
to improve the reliability of cell therapies.
MSCs are widely used in regenerative and immunomodulatory medicine, but their effects can vary from batch to batch. This project aims to test whether metabolic rewiring can lock human MSCs into more consistent functional states. The work combines
CRISPR-based gene regulation
,
metabolic profiling
, cell identity/quality assays, and immune-function testing using
T cell assays
and anti-inflammatory signalling readouts.
The project is based at UQ’s
St Lucia campus
, working at the interface of
cell engineering, metabolism, and immunology
. You will have access to primary cell culture and molecular biology facilities, and be supported by a supervisory team with expertise spanning cell and metabolic engineering, cell therapy, extracellular vesicles, and MSC immunomodulation. The environment is connected to Australia’s cell and gene therapy sector, making it attractive for students interested in translational biomedical research.
Funding is available through a
Research project scholarship
. The scholarship includes a
tax-free living stipend of AUD 39,220 per annum
(2026 rate, indexed annually) and
tuition fees covered
. Single Overseas Student Health Cover is also included.
Eligibility is competitive. Applicants should demonstrate academic achievement in biomedical sciences, cell or molecular biology, immunology, biomedical or biochemical engineering, or a closely related field. A relevant qualifying degree completed within the last ten years is required, with options including an MPhil, a bachelor’s degree with at least Honours Class IIA, or a coursework master’s with a suitable GPA plus research experience. Helpful experience includes tissue culture, DNA cloning, qPCR, Western blotting, flow cytometry, cytokine assays, immunoprofiling, CRISPR gene editing, or cell metabolism. Standard English language requirements apply for international applicants, and visa/commencement conditions mean the successful candidate must study on campus in Brisbane.
To apply, submit an
expression of interest (EOI)
by
12 August 2026
. In the scholarship/sponsorship section, indicate that you are applying for an advertised project and use the scholarship code
STROMAL-TORRES
. Contact
Dr Mauro Torres
for questions about fit or eligibility.
