Mitochondria Scholarship

A PhD scholarship is available for a suitable candidate to provide a tax-free living allowance of AUS$25,427 p.a. for 3.5 years. Candidates must have completed a BSc (hons) or MSc in Biochemistry or a related discipline and must be Australian citizens or permanent residents or New Zealand citizens.

Mitochondria are essential for the normal function and survival of all eukaryotic cells. Given their central role in providing energy for cells it is not surprising that mitochondrial dysfunction is involved in neurodegenerative disorders, diabetes, and cancer. Despite their importance the regulation of gene expression in mammalian mitochondria remains poorly understood. We investigate RNA-binding proteins that regulate the stability, expression and translation of mitochondrial genes. As well as unraveling the mysteries of mitochondrial biology we are interested in the development of gene therapy approaches and chemotherapeutics to combat mitochondrial dysfunction in disease.

PhD projects

1. Mitochondrial RNA-binding proteins and their role in mitochondrial gene expression.
2. Development of gene therapy approaches for neurodegenerative diseases caused by mitochondrial
dysfunction.
3. Development of mitochondria targeted chemotherapeutics that selectively target cancer cells but not
normal cells.

These projects involve the use of techniques in cell biology (such as cell culture, cell death assays, fluorescence microscopy, gel electrophoresis, western blotting) and molecular biology (cloning, quantitative PCR, RNA interference).

Download full project description

Value & duration

$25,427 per annum, for for 3.5 years.

Eligibility

Candidates must have completed a BSc (Hons) or MSc in Biochemistry or a related discipline and must be Australian citizens or permanent residents or New Zealand citizens.

All applicants must meet eligibility criteria for admission to candidature.

Applications

Please complete the online application form for PhD enrolment and this scholarship in conjunction with the Australian Postgraduate Award application round, for commencement in semester 1, 2010. Please visit the following website for the APA online application form via iAthena:
http://www.scholarships.uwa.edu.au/home/postgrad/general/australian_post

You must also contact Dr Aleksandra Filipovska (details below) in order to be considered for this scholarship.

Closing Date

Friday 30 October 2009

Further information

Dr Aleksandra Filipovska
Mitochondrial Medicine and Biology group
Centre for Medical Research
University of Western Australia
Tel: 9224 0330
afilipov@waimr.uwa.edu.au