Designing and Fabricating Artificial Blood Cells for Global Shortages
We are currently looking for a PhD candidate (with background in biomedical science, engineering, chemistry, or biology) with a strong desire to undertake research in biomedical blood engineering, mechanobiology, haematology, or cardiovascular artificial organs and medical devices.
As part of an Australian Research Council (ARC) project, the primary focus of this role will be to develop a new type of microparticle that functionally mimic blood cells, thus contributing to the creation of a novel bioengineered blood product. This project includes the study of blood flow, the development of new particle biosynthesis techniques, microfluidics, biophysics, and advanced laboratory analytics.
Success in this role requires collaboration between health and engineering disciplines, and also with international partners in Germany and Japan. We anticipate that the development of a new bioengineered blood product will provide significant future benefits for blood storage and transfusion, and contribute to alleviating global blood shortages.
Scholarship details
GUMBL is part of the Gold Coast Health and Knowledge Precinct https://gchkp.com.au/ and the blood damage assessment site for the Frontier Health and Medical Research Program for The Artificial Heart Frontiers Program. The facility is extremely well equipped with the most advanced biophysical and blood rheology equipment, and unique custom-developed inspection devices (e.g., custom laser systems and advanced microscopy with high-speed imaging).
The role will primarily be undertaken at Griffith University’s Gold Coast Campus in the Griffith University Mechanobiology Laboratory (GUMBL). GUMBL houses the leading blood rheology laboratory in the southern hemisphere and is the premier blood damage assessment site for several international biomedical companies.
This role will utilise advanced analytical techniques (Scanning Electron Microscopy, Atomic Force Microscopy, 3D scanning microscopes with confocal and x-ray, and flow cytometry) and in collaboration with the Queensland Micro and Nanotechnology Centre (QMNC) also cutting-edge photolithography for microfluidic device development.
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 will be able to perform basic laboratory techniques, independently develop new protocols or systems, and collect, handle, and interpret data. Ideal candidates should have self-driven/curiosity-driven interest in scientific discovery and strong work ethic. You will have evidence of a passion for scientific investigation and working within a high-performance team, with a strong desire to undertake research in biomedical blood engineering, mechanobiology/mechanosensing, haematology, or artificial organs and medical devices. Prior wet lab experience within PC2 facilities is desirable, but not essential.
- 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 Procedure. 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 2024 Griffith University Postgraduate Research Scholarship has an annual stipend of $33,480 (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:
Dr Antony McNamee
Email: a.mcnamee@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 a.mcnamee@griffith.edu.au containing:
- Statement addressing your suitability for the project/scholarship
- Previous scientific experience and area of future interest
- Evidence that you have completed a program with the required grades as detailed in the about you section, including a copy of your academic transcript
- A curriculum vitae (CV) using the Griffith CV template.
The closing date for expressions of interest is: 5pm Friday 05 April 2024
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.