Transforming Early-Stage Diagnostics for Colon and Lung Cancer

We are currently looking for a talented PhD candidate embark on an exciting project aiming to conduct discovery and translational research on early-stage diagnostics for Colorectal and Lung Cancer. The purpose of this project is to devise novel diagnostic strategies that allow to increase the specificity of early detection diagnostics for colon and lung cancer, which will lead to improve long-term outcomes for cancer patients. The successful candidate receives an additional $10,000 annually (for up to three years) Top-Up Scholarship and a generous project support package of $15,000 annually, made available through generous philanthropic support.

Cancers of the lung and colon remain the major causes of cancer-related deaths around the world. Early detection is the key to deliver successful long-term treatment outcomes for patients and their families. Based on our previous findings that indicate protein glycosylation to be an indicator to inform on early-stages of the development of these cancer types, the project aim is to develop novel diagnostic strategies that allow the establishment of novel diagnostics for the early detection of colon and lung cancer.

Project Aims – (i) to develop, produce and validate novel camelid Nanobodies against specific colon/lung cancer marker glycoprotein(s), (ii) to apply these Nanobodies to develop a novel diagnostic test platforms that will allow to simultaneously screen for protein and glyco-features for early-stage detection of these cancer types and (iii) to apply the developed platforms on a patient and control cohort to validate the novel assay.

The Australian Cancer Research Foundation (ACRF) International Centre for Cancer Glycomics, located at Institute for Glycomics, is a unique facility where world-leading professionals and oncologists and research scientists jointly employ cutting-edge technologies to read and understand the individual stories behind every cancer and translate this knowledge into novel diagnostics and therapeutics. It is a unique hub of exciting and revolutionary cancer glycomics research, where world-renowned experts in both the fields of basic science and clinical research combine resources, utilising state-of-the-art equipment and advanced technologies to decipher the changes to the glyco-code that occur in cancer.

You will be working on your project as part of a team dedicated to make a difference for cancer patients and their families. You will be mentored by experienced colleagues across the fields relevant for your project, and have the possibility to partake in additional professional development opportunities.

You will be supervised and supported by our Research Team including Professor Mark von Itzstein AO, Assoc Professor Daniel Kolarich, Dr Arun Everest-Dass, Dr Grant Hansman and Collaborators from leading cancer clinics in Australia including (but not limited to) University of Sydney, UNSW and the Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne.

Scholarship details

Comprising over 200 research scientists, students and support staff, the Institute for Glycomics is 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, and the only institute of its kind in the southern hemisphere.

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 health and disease.

The Institute’s research primarily targets identification, prevention and cures for cancers, infectious diseases, and neurodegenerative disorders, with a focus on translational research that has a positive impact on human health globally.

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, a scientific background in at least one of the mentioned disciplines is sought (Biochemistry, Mass Spectrometry or Immunology) and experience in molecular biology techniques, cell biology or analytical glycobiology is desirable. You will have evidence of a passion for conducting basic and translational research, with a strong desire to undertake research in the area relevant to cancer.

· Expressions of interest are welcome from domestic and international applicants

· Applicants must have completed, or expect to complete, a Bachelor’s degree with honours equivalent to first class honours or a Master’s 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 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.

The top-up scholarship is provided by a philanthropic donor at the rate of $10,000 per year, together with a generous project support package of $15,000 per year, for up to three years of full-time study.

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:

A/Prof Daniel Kolarich

Email: d.kolarich@griffith.edu.au

For administration enquiries please contact:

Griffith Graduate Research School

Email: hdr-scholarship@griffith.edu.au

All expressions of interest must be submitted to ‘d.kolarich@griffith.edu.au’ containing: