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University of Newcastle

University of Newcastle PhD Scholarship

PhD Scholarship in AI-Integrated Design of Zwitterionic Lipids for Extrahepatic RNA Delivery University of Newcastle in Australia

Degree Level

PhD

Field of study

Chemistry

Funding

Full funding available
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Country

Australia

University

University of Newcastle

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Keywords

Chemistry
Biomedical Engineering
Materials Science
Biotechnology
Biology
Chemical Synthesis
Medical Science
Pharmacy
Pharmaceutical Chemistry
Lipid Nanoparticles
Computational Modelling
Biomedicine

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About this position

PhD scholarship opportunity at the University of Newcastle, Australia in AI-integrated design of zwitterionic lipids for extrahepatic RNA delivery.

This project aims to develop next-generation zwitterionic ionizable lipids (ZILs) to improve the delivery, safety, and tissue targeting of RNA therapeutics beyond the liver. The research sits at the intersection of computational modelling, synthetic chemistry, lipid nanoparticle formulation, and biological evaluation, with a strong focus on how lipid chemistry and biological interfaces affect delivery performance.

The successful PhD candidate will work on new ZIL structures with optimized ionisation behaviour, membrane interactions, and reduced serum binding. Training opportunities include advanced lipid design, nanoparticle formulation and characterization, and RNA delivery assays, supported by NSW-RRTN development programs.

Funding: $38,938 per annum (2026 rate), indexed annually, for 3.5 years, plus tuition fee scholarship, up to $1,500 relocation allowance, and Overseas Student Health Cover at single rate for international candidates.

Eligibility: Bachelor degree with Honours (Class I or II Division I) or equivalent in chemistry, biomedical science, pharmaceutical science, biotechnology, or a related field. Experience in synthetic chemistry, molecular modelling, or molecular/cellular biology is beneficial but not essential.

Supervisor: A/ Prof Roger Liang.

How to apply: Email your expression of interest to [email protected] with academic transcripts, CV, a brief statement of research interests, and a proposal linked to the project.

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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