Decoding Bacterial Epigenetic Regulation
We are currently looking for a PhD candidate to work on an Australian Research Council (ARC)-funded Discovery Project Grant. The primary focus of this PhD project is to characterise bacterial epigenetic regulation by mediated by DNA methylation.
Bacteria are a fundamental part of all aspects of life, and have a significant impact on the environment, agriculture, and health. Our understanding of bacteria has been revolutionised by genetics and DNA/RNA sequencing. However, the impact of epigenetics (changes that alter the physical structure of DNA but not its underlying sequence) on gene expression is only now being appreciated. This research project will generate new knowledge regarding bacterial epigenetic regulation and the molecular mechanism of DNA methyltransferases via analysis of DNA methylation sites, RNA start sites, and transcript and protein levels. The project will use a novel combination of cutting-edge DNA and RNA sequencing, proteomic and bioinformatic approaches.
Scholarship details
Comprising over 200 research scientists, students and support staff, the Institute for Glycomics strives to be a world leader in the discovery and development of next generation drugs, vaccines and diagnostics for diseases of global impact.
Established in 2000, the Institute for Glycomics is one of Australia’s flagship multidisciplinary translational biomedical research institutes, based in the heart of Griffith University’s beautiful Gold Coast campus.
The Institute boasts state-of-the-art facilities combined with some of the world’s most outstanding researchers focused on glycomics, a constantly expanding field that explores the structural and functional properties of carbohydrates (or sugars) and their roles in disease.
The Institute’s research primarily targets identification, prevention and cures for cancers, infectious diseases and neurodegenerative disorders, with a focus on translational research to have a positive impact on human health globally.
The Project will be supervised by Professors Kate Seib and Michael Jennings.
Professor Kate Seib is a Principal Research Leader and the Associate Director of Research at the Institute for Glycomics (https://experts.griffith.edu.au/7234-kate-seib). Professor Seib's research is focused on understanding the processes involved in host colonisation and disease, with the aim to identify therapeutic targets of mucosal pathogens including Neisseria gonorrhoeae (causes the sexually transmitted infection gonorrhoea, which can lead to infertility), Neisseria meningitidis (causes sepsis and meningitis), and Moraxella catarrhalis and Haemophilus influenzae (cause middle ear infections and exacerbations of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease).
Professor Michael Jennings is a Principal Research Leader and the Deputy Director of the Institute for Glycomics (https://experts.griffith.edu.au/18892-michael-jennings). Professor Jennings is internationally recognised leader in infectious diseases research with a focus on glycoscience, genetics, epigenetics and vaccine development, particularly in pathogenic bacteria. His current research is investigating the molecular basis for interactions between a range of pathogens and the host and the application of this data to develop strategies for diagnostics, prevention and treatment of disease.
The selection of applicants for the award of higher degree research scholarships at Griffith University involves consideration of your academic merit and research background. To be successful within this role, you must be able to develop technical laboratory skills, as well as skills in research methodology, data analysis, and scientific writing. You should also have evidence of a passion for Science, with a strong desire to undertake research in the area of Microbiology, Molecular Biology, Immunology and Vaccine Development. Applicants must have excellent writing abilities, and be able to work effectively within a multidisciplinary and international research team.
- Expressions of interest are welcome from domestic and international applicants.
- Applicants must have completed, or expect to complete, a bachelors degree with honours equivalent to first class honours or a Masters degree (AQF Level 9) incorporating a significant research component of a standard comparable to a bachelor honours degree or be regarded by Griffith University as having an equivalent level of attainment in accordance with Schedule One of the HDR Scholarship Policy. For further information on the eligibility requirements for the program refer here.
International applicants should ensure that English Language Proficiency requirements for the program are met before formally applying. Applicants to research programs will need to show they meet:
- A minimum overall band score of 6.5 on the IELTS (Academic) with no band score less than 6.0 OR
- A minimum score of 575 on the paper-based TOEFL including a score of no less than 5.0 on the TWE OR
- A score of 79 on the internet-based (iBT) TOEFL with no sub-score less than 19
The 2023 Griffith University Postgraduate Research Scholarship has an annual stipend of $32,192 (indexed) for a period of up to three years of full-time study. Please see the GUPRS Conditions of Award for more information.
A successful International applicant will also be awarded a Griffith University International Postgraduate Research Scholarship to cover tuition fees for up to three years. Please see the GUIPRS Conditions of Award for more information.
As a scholarship holder, you will study with a University that ranks among the top 2% worldwide and spans across campuses in South East Queensland. At Griffith University, we’ve worked hard to create a culture that will challenge you to be curious, creative and courageous. We also support the professional and personal development of all our HDR candidates and invest in the skills of our people. Griffith University values diversity, inclusion and flexibility and we encourage Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander, and people of all backgrounds to apply. Griffith's strategic goals are to also increase the proportion of women in senior academic and administrative roles and in Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics and Medicine (STEMM).
For project related enquiries please contact:
Professor Kate Seib
Email: k.seib@griffith.edu.au
For administration enquiries please contact:
Griffith Graduate Research School
Please do not select the “APPLY” button. All expressions of interest must be submitted to ‘k.seib@griffith.edu.au’ containing:
- Statement addressing your suitability for the project/scholarship
- Evidence that you have completed a program with the required grades as detailed in the about you section.
- Copy of your Academic transcript
- A curriculum vitae (CV) using the Griffith CV template. In your CV include the name and contact details of the two referees. It is advisable that at least one of the referees has direct knowledge of your laboratory and other skills, for example previous Honours or Masters supervisor or employer.
For the email expression of interest subject line, please use: EOI_ Epigenetic Regulation PhD_your surname
The closing date for expressions of interest is: 5 pm (AEST) Friday 25th August 2023
The preferred applicant will then be invited to apply for the program and scholarship on-line
Get in touch
If you have a question, need some help with your scholarship application, or would like to make a donation, feel free to contact us.