Bioengineering/Synthetic Biology and Human Disease Biology - Masters Degree by Research

Two Masters by Research projects are available in the Synthetic Physiology Laboratory at Flinders University. The laboratory applies bioengineering/synthetic biology to understand and ultimately treat human disease. Further information about the Synthetic Physiology laboratory can be found on these websites: http://www.janovjak-lab.com/ and https://www.flinders.edu.au/people/harald.janovjak. The laboratory has relocated from Monash University to Flinders University in January 2022.

A Masters Degree by Research is a higher degree by research course where candidates undertake a supervised research project. It is expected that the graduates make a significant contribution to the field of research and qualify themselves further by developing knowledge and skills for research and professional practice.

In two projects the laboratory aims to develop a next-generation genetic technology to study the molecular events that underlie the occurrence and progression of cancer and metabolic disorders. This technology will enable dissecting the molecular function and cellular localization of key disease drivers (e.g., kinases and transcription factors) on an unprecedented scale (e.g., for the first time on a genome-wide ‘omics’ scale). Methods applied during the projects include high-throughput gene engineering, next-generation sequencing, human cell models and advanced microscopy. For further information about the research projects, please contact Prof Harald Janovjak (see below for contact information).

Two projects are available: The first project will focus on establishing the next-generation technology by combining bioengineering/synthetic biology and cell biology. The second project will focus on applying the technology to study cancer cell biology and physiology.

These research projects will be conducted at Flinders University (Bedford Park, SA) under the supervision of Prof Harald Janovjak. The projects include opportunities to participate in national and international conferences and overseas research collaboration (Germany, USA).

Each scholarship includes:

• The Masters by Research can be completed in 1-2 years full-time or 2-4 years part-time, depending on entry qualifications;
• A stipend depending on entry qualifications can be awarded;
• A Research Training Program Fee Offset Scholarship to cover tuition fees for Australian citizens, New Zealand citizens and permanent residents.

To be eligible for the award of a scholarship applicants must:

• Be an Australian citizen; or a New Zealand citizen; or have been granted permanent resident status; and
• Meet admission requirements, including an Australian Honours degree.
• Students with a background in biology, physics, chemistry or engineering are encouraged to apply.