PhD Scholarship: Mechanisms of Sperm RNA Modulation and Acquisition University of Newcastle in Australia

This PhD scholarship is offered as part of an Australian Research Council Discovery Early Career Researcher Award at the University of Newcastle, within the Hunter Medical Research Institute’s ‘Infertility and Reproduction Program’. The successful candidate will join a leading research team investigating the mechanisms by which the sperm RNA profile is shaped during epididymal transit. The project addresses the role of paternal non-genetic inheritance, focusing on how changing ecosystems influence sperm RNA and, consequently, fertility and breeding success across species.

Although RNAs are recognized as the primary non-genetic factor in sperm, their modulation within the reproductive tract remains poorly understood. This research aims to elucidate the molecular responses to environmental stimuli that drive changes in the sperm RNA profile, and to characterize the diversity and function of RNA within sperm cells. The project will employ advanced laboratory techniques including cell culture, in vitro fertilization (IVF), RNA sequencing, and extracellular vesicle analysis to fill critical knowledge gaps in reproductive biology.

The Hunter Medical Research Institute’s Infertility and Reproduction Program is a vibrant research environment, comprising over 100 personnel and students working on various aspects of gamete biology, human infertility, domestic animal reproduction, contraceptive development, and conservation of Australian fauna. The PhD project is full-time and laboratory-based, located at the Callaghan campus of the University of Newcastle.

Funding and Scholarship Details: The scholarship provides a living allowance of $38,938 per annum (2026 rate), indexed annually, and covers tuition fees for 3.5 years. An additional relocation allowance of up to $1,500 is available. The award is contingent upon the full establishment of grant funding.

Eligibility: Applicants must hold a bachelor’s degree with Honours Class I or Honours Class II, Division I, and are encouraged to have a background in biological sciences and reproductive biology. Candidates must meet the University of Newcastle’s minimum eligibility criteria for PhD admission.

Application Process: Interested candidates should email [email protected] with scanned copies of academic transcripts, a CV, a brief statement of research interests, and a proposal that specifically links their background to the research project. The application deadline is 5pm on 30 March 2026.

For more information and to apply, visit the University of Newcastle’s scholarship page: PhD Scholarship Details.