IHMRI/Medicine PhD Scholarships - Ion channel modulators of pain pathways - [Archived Advertisement]

IHMRI/Medicine PhD Scholarships

Ion channel modulators of pain pathways

An exciting opportunity is available for PhD candidates to undertake a project on ‘Ion channel modulators of pain pathways’. This research is part of a 5-year NHMRC Program Grant supervised by Professor David J. Adams, IHMRI Executive Director.

This program of research is to characterise new venom-derived peptides that modulate specific membrane receptors and ion channels in nerve pathways that are critical to the transmission of pain signals in the brain.  The research will involve in vitro electrophysiological and fluorescence calcium imaging studies of synthetic peptides on native and recombinantly expressed membrane receptors and ion channels in mammalian cells.  The aim of this research program is to understand pain processing involving calcium channels and to develop analgesic venom peptide inhibitors of voltage-gated calcium channels.

Eligibility:

To be considered for scholarship you must:

• hold, or be currently completing:
  • a Master by research
  • a Master by coursework with a significant research component graded as high distinction, or equivalent
  • an Honours degree achieving first class honours in Physiology, Pharmacology, Neuroscience or related discipline
  • a 4 year bachelor degree achieving a GPA of 4 or equivalent (80% or above)
  • meet the requirements of the university, including all the conditions for admission to the research higher degree program
  • hold English language proficiency: IELTS>6.5

Both domestic and international students are eligible and encouraged to apply.

Value of Scholarship:  The value of the scholarship is $28,000 per annum.

Duration of Scholarship: The scholarship is for 3.5 years.  Any additional time taken to complete the PhD will not be paid.

Commencement Date:  You must be able to commence by 31 March, 2017.

How to apply and further information

Please send an expression of interest addressing eligibility requirements, with a copy of your CV to Professor David Adams, djadams@uow.edu.au by Monday 5 December 2016.