National Centre for Neuroimmunology and Emerging Diseases – Investigations into immunological and ion channel targets in Myalgic Encephalomyelitis, Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and long COVID patients
The primary focus of this role is to elucidate the role of transient receptor potential (TRP) ion channels in the pathophysiology of ME/CFS and long COVID and as a potential pharmacotherapeutic target for treatment. Further, the NCNED will embark on a clinical trial to assess the efficacy of repurposed treatments on TRP ion channel function. This role will also involve the collection of clinical data to determine therapeutic effects.
This project aims to utilise a multi-disciplinary approach to investigate both immunological and ion channel disturbances. This project will employ novel laboratory approaches, such as patch clamp electrophysiology, microscopy and flow cytometry, in addition to analysis and collection of epidemiological data.
Scholarship details
The National Centre for Neuroimmunology and Emerging Diseases (NCNED) is a world-class research facility focusing on Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME/CFS) and long COVID.
Our research is world-leading in the area of identification of the pathology, development of a screen/diagnostic test and drug treatments for ME/CFS and long COVID patients. Our aim is to translate our research to improve patient outcomes in the area of preventative medicine, social and clinical care, and public health.
Further, the NCNED is committed to ensuring the success of higher degree research students and early career researchers. The NCNED has been successful in training and fostering up-and-coming researchers resulting in employability of candidates.
Griffith Health and NCNED are looking to invest in the future of health research with higher degree by offering The Brotchie-Wallace Stafford Fox Medical Research Foundation scholarships. A PhD position is available to undertake research led by Professor Sonya Marshall-Gradisnik.
This scholarship is open to new and current domestic and international applicants who currently reside in Australia. To be successful in this role, you must be able to develop technical laboratory and methodology skills, data analysis, and scientific writing.
- 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.
Please note:
A competitive candidate will have knowledge of ME/CFS and long COVID, statistical software packages, and laboratory techniques.
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 Natalie Eaton-Fitch
Phone: (07) 567 89282
Email: n.eaton-fitch@griffith.edu.au
Dr Kiran Thapaliya
Phone: (07) 567 80961
Email: k.thapaliya@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 ncned@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 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 17 May 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.