PhD Scholarship in Ovarian Cancer Early Detection Research

Description

High-grade serous ovarian cancer (HGSOC) is the most common and deadliest subtype of all ovarian cancers. Poor survival is largely attributable to the fact that HGSOC is usually diagnosed at an advanced stage, when the disease has already spread throughout the body and treatment options are limited. Thus, an early detection test is needed. This project takes a multiomics approach to identify early-detection biomarkers for ovarian cancer using patient-derived organoids and other relevant models.

Benefits

• This position is supported by a competitive PhD scholarship valued at A$36,061 per annum (Fixed Rate) will be provided for 3.5-years duration. It is     subject to candidate eligibility and successful scholarship application.

• A Research Training Program Fee Offset to cover tuition fees for Australian Citizens, New Zealand Citizens and Permanent Residents.

• Outstanding International students may be considered, and eligible candidates will be supported by the supervisor to apply for a           Research Training Program Fee waiver to cover tuition fees. A limited number of fee waiver scholarships to cover tuition fees may be available         for international students.

• No visa fees or related expenses, including insurance, will be provided to international applicants. 

Eligibility

Domestic Applicant (Australian Citizen/New Zealand Citizen/Australian Permanent Resident)

• Be an Australian citizen; or New Zealand citizen; or have been granted Australian permanent resident status.

• Applicants must meet PhD admission requirements including have an Australian Honours degree Class 1 or 2A or equivalent qualification (at least AQF Level 8), including a research component of at least 6 months’ full-time study achieving Distinction (75%) OR including evidence of equivalent research experience, such as a substantial firstauthor refereed publication or track record as an investigator on a competitive grant.

• Applicants must be available to commence as a full-time PhD student at Flinders University.

• At least 1-2 first/co-author publications in Q1/Q2 journals (at least 1 must be a research article and a submitted article may be considered)

International Applicant

Outstanding international applicants are welcome to apply if they fulfil the eligibility criteria below (no exemption).

• Be an international citizen.

• Applicants must meet PhD admission requirements including have an Australian Honours degree Class 1 or 2A or equivalent qualification (at least AQF Level 8), including a research component of at least 6 months’ full-time study achieving Distinction (75%) OR including evidence of equivalent research experience, such as a substantial firstauthor refereed publication or track record as an investigator on a competitive grant.

• Applicants must be available to commence as a full-time PhD student at Flinders University.

• At least 1-2 first/co-author publications in Q1/Q2 journals (at least 1 must be a research article and a submitted article may be considered) 

• International applicants from non-English-speaking countries must meet Flinders University's English language requirements for PhD admission (https://www.flinders.edu.au/international/apply/entry-requirements/englishlanguage-requirements). No exemptions are allowed.

Selection Criteria

Essential

● Hands-on cell culture and cell-based technique experience.

● Protein-based assay and immunoassay experience, such as western blot, ELISA

● Molecular biology and cell biology techniques such as DNA/RNA isolation, qPCR, etc.

● Experience with data handling and basic statistical analysis.

● Strong written and verbal communication skills.

● Fulfilment of Flinders University's English language requirements is mandatory at the time of application for international applicants from non-     English-speaking countries.

Desirable

● Experience handling animal models, such as mouse models

● Flow cytometry

● CRISPR, siRNA

● Immunohistochemistry