Satoshi Ogawa

This PhD opportunity is offered under the prestigious Global Excellence and Mobility Scholarship (GEMS) 2026 at Monash University Malaysia. The research project, 'Cross-Regional Mechanisms in Schizophrenia & ASD via Multi-omics in Patient-Derived hiPSC Models,' aims to advance our understanding of neurodevelopmental disorders by leveraging cutting-edge stem cell and multi-omics technologies. The project will establish human induced pluripotent stem cell (hiPSC) lines from ethnically diverse Malaysian donors diagnosed with schizophrenia or autism spectrum disorder (ASD), alongside matched controls. These lines will be harmonised with Australian standards, enabling robust cross-regional comparisons. Differentiated cortical neurons and organoids derived from these hiPSCs will be profiled using genomics, transcriptomics, proteomics, and high-content imaging to map cellular and network phenotypes. Integrated analyses will identify disease modules related to synaptic signalling, connectivity, and neurotransmission, and will quantify both shared and population-specific features by comparing Malaysian and Australian cohorts. Key outputs include quality-controlled donor lines, standard operating procedures, interoperable datasets, and candidate biomarkers that will inform subsequent research projects. The findings will provide human-relevant effect sizes and endpoints necessary for AI modelling and mechanism-guided therapeutic testing for major neuropsychiatric conditions. This project is part of the MAP-Neuro Graduate Research Thematic Cluster, which focuses on diverse hiPSC models, AI analytics, and mechanism-guided therapeutics. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in neuroscience, stem cell biology, or bioinformatics, with hands-on experience in cell culture, molecular techniques, or imaging. A willingness to learn integrative analysis of genomics and proteomics data, curiosity, analytical thinking, teamwork skills, and a passion for advancing equitable mental health research are essential. Degrees in neuroscience, biotechnology, biomedical science, or bioinformatics are preferred. The GEMS scholarship provides full funding, including an immersive year at Monash University Australia, Monash University Indonesia, or the Indian Institute of Technology Bombay (up to 9 months), and access to Monash University’s global research network and infrastructure. Applicants must hold a First Class Honours (H1) or equivalent and meet English language requirements. To apply, first contact the main supervisor with your academic background and achievements to assess your fit for the project. If suitable, complete the Expression of Interest form with a relevant research proposal. Eligible candidates will be invited to apply for PhD candidature and may be selected for a scholarship interview in March 2026. The application deadline is April 30, 2026.

This PhD opportunity at Monash University Malaysia is offered under the Global Excellence and Mobility Scholarship (GEMS) 2026, focusing on cross-regional mechanisms in schizophrenia and autism spectrum disorder (ASD) using multi-omics approaches in patient-derived hiPSC models. The research project establishes hiPSC lines from ethnically diverse Malaysian donors with schizophrenia/ASD and matched controls, harmonised with Australian standards. Differentiated cortical neurons and organoids will be profiled using genomics, transcriptomics, proteomics, and high-content imaging to map cellular and network phenotypes. Integrated analyses will identify disease modules related to synaptic signalling, connectivity, and neurotransmission, and quantify shared versus population-specific features by comparing Malaysian and Australian cohorts. The project outputs include quality-controlled donor lines, standard operating procedures, interoperable datasets, and candidate biomarkers that will inform subsequent projects. The research supplies human-relevant effect sizes and endpoints necessary for AI modelling and mechanism-guided therapeutic testing for major neuropsychiatric conditions. This project is part of Monash University Malaysia’s Graduate Research Thematic Cluster, MAP-Neuro: Diverse hiPSC Models, AI Analytics & Mechanism-Guided Therapeutics. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in neuroscience, stem cell biology, or bioinformatics, with hands-on experience in cell culture, molecular techniques, or imaging. Candidates should be motivated to learn integrative analysis of genomics and proteomics data and passionate about advancing human-relevant, equitable mental health research. Preferred degrees include neuroscience, biotechnology, biomedical science, or bioinformatics. The GEMS scholarship provides full funding, including tuition and stipend, and features regional mobility with an immersive year at Monash University Australia, Monash University Indonesia, or the Indian Institute of Technology Bombay (up to 9 months). Scholars will have access to Monash University’s global network of research expertise and infrastructure during their candidature period. Eligibility requires a minimum academic qualification of First Class Honours (H1) or its equivalence (H1E) recognised by Monash University Malaysia and satisfaction of English language requirements. Applicants are encouraged to contact the main supervisor, Associate Professor Satoshi Ogawa, with their academic background and achievements to determine fit for the research topic. If suitable, applications should be submitted via the provided link, selecting the Global Excellence and Mobility Scholarship (GEMS) and entering the same research topic as advertised. More information about GEMS and the application submission guide is available online. The application deadline is July 31, 2026.