Synthetic Biology Scholarship

One of the key aims of synthetic biology is to engineer artificial processes inside living cells. This requires components that interact in a predictable manner, both with each other and with existing cellular systems. However, the activity of many components is constrained by their interactions with other cellular molecules and often their roles in maintaining cell health. To escape this limitation, we pursue an "orthogonal" approach, building a parallel metabolism within the cell. Components of this parallel metabolism can be sourced from evolutionarily distant species or reengineered from existing cellular molecules by using rational design and directed evolution. These approaches allow us to study basic principles in cell biology and to engineer cells that can function as environmental sensors, simple computers, and drug factories.

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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 Oliver Rackham (details below) in order to be considered for this scholarship.

Closing date

Friday 30 October 2009

Further information

Dr Oliver Rackham
Synthetic Biology and Drug Discovery group
Centre for Medical Research
University of Western Australia
Tel: 9224 0325
rackham@waimr.uwa.edu.au