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Monash University Malaysia

Graduate Research Excellence Scholarship (GRES)

Aptamer-Based Biosensing Platform for Monitoring Nanoplastic and Biotoxin Co-Exposure as a Human Exposome Surveillance Platform Monash University Malaysia in Malaysia

Degree Level

PhD

Field of study

Chemistry

Funding

Full funding available

Deadline

Jul 31, 2026

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Country

Malaysia

University

Monash University Malaysia

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Keywords

Chemistry
Environmental Science
Biomedical Engineering
Biology
Analytical Chemistry
Toxicology
Medical Science
Lc-ms
Biosensor
Bioinformatic
Aptamer

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About this position

This PhD project at Monash University Malaysia focuses on developing an innovative aptamer-based biosensing platform for monitoring human exposure to nanoplastics and biotoxins. Addressing a significant technical gap in human exposome studies, the research aims to create a continuous biosensing system capable of detecting and quantifying both biotic and abiotic contaminants directly within the human microenvironment.

The biosensing technology leverages short, single-stranded oligonucleotides known as aptamers, which are functionalised on gold nanoparticle lateral flow assays (LFA) to specifically recognize nanoplastics and biotoxins. The project involves conducting SELEX for each target, validating aptamer binding, and determining binding kinetics through binding assays. The apt-LFA strip architecture will be optimised for multiplex detection, enabling simultaneous readout of multiple targets from a single sample. Sensitivity will be benchmarked against LC-MS/MS and ICP-MS reference standards, and selectivity will be confirmed using biological matrices such as saliva and urine.

This biosensing platform complements ongoing research, allowing real-world exposure data to be matched against laboratory-derived dose-response thresholds. Ultimately, the project aims to generate a human exposome surveillance system where biosensing data informs molecular toxicological models for science-to-policy translation.

Successful applicants will be awarded the Graduate Research Excellence Scholarship (GRES), which includes a full tuition fee waiver and a monthly stipend for up to 3 years 6 months. To be eligible, candidates must have a First Class Honours (H1) or equivalent qualification recognised by Monash University Malaysia and meet English language requirements.

The project is supervised by Dr. Michelle Yap Khai Khun, with associate supervisors Dr. Ong Huey Fang, Dr. Krystle Angelique Santiago, and Dr. Faddrine Jang. Applicants are encouraged to contact the main supervisor with their academic background and achievements to determine suitability for the research topic. If a good fit, applications should be submitted online, referencing the advertised research topic. More information about scholarships and the application process is available via the provided links.

Funding details

Full funding including tuition fees and living expenses is available for this position. The scholarship covers all educational costs and provides a monthly stipend.

How to apply

Please submit your application including a cover letter, CV, academic transcripts, and contact information for two references. Applications should be sent via the online portal before the deadline.

More information can be found here

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