PhD Scholarship – The link between developmental perturbations, metabolism, and catch-up growth

Job No.: 618180

Location: Clayton campus

Employment Type: Full-time

Duration: 3-year fixed-term appointment

Remuneration: The successful applicant will receive a tax-free stipend, at current value of $29,000 per annum 2020 full-time rate, as per the Monash Research Training Program (RTP) Stipend https://www.monash.edu/study/fees-scholarships/scholarships/find-a-scholarship/research-training-program-scholarship#scholarship-details

The Opportunity:

The Adaptive Regulation of Organ Size group at Monash University uses sophisticated genetic animal models, image analysis and omics approaches to discover new molecular and cellular mechanisms controlling organ growth and repair, with a focus on the limbs. The group is based at the Australian Regenerative Medicine Institute (ARMI; www.armi.org.au ) and headed by HFSP Career Development Awardee Dr Alberto Rosello-Diez. Further information can be obtained on the group web site, www.rosellodiezlab.com

The aim of a new and innovative project in the group is to explore intra- and inter-organ communication in the establishment and maintenance of body proportions. Preliminary data suggest that injuries in the developing limbs cause local metabolic changes that trigger local overgrowth while reducing systemic growth, preserving body proportions. The end goal is to identify the trigger molecules and the target organs involved in this process so that it can be modulated exogenously.

One scholarship opportunity is available to domestic students to develop this project, under the supervision of Dr Rosello-Diez and research fellow Chee Ho H’ng, who were recently awarded an NHMRC Ideas grant to undertake this and related projects.

The ideal start date is June 2021 or as soon as possible thereafter.

The Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences (FMNHS) is Monash University’s largest research faculty. World-class researchers work across disciplines including laboratory-based medical science, applied clinical research, and social and public health research.

Established through a joint venture between Monash University and the Victorian Government, the Australian Regenerative Medicine Institute (ARMI) builds on the University's existing strengths in biomedical research, and supports the critical infrastructure required to deliver the next generation of discoveries in regenerative medicine.

Selection Criteria

Applications are invited from outstanding and enthusiastic graduates with relevant backgrounds (developmental biology, cell biology or equivalent) that will have:

• An excellent academic track record in biological sciences (Honours degree, Masters degree or equivalent in a relevant discipline)
• Interest and commitment
• Time management skills, with the ability to work independently.
• Organisational and record keeping skills, with the ability to prioritise multiple tasks to meet deadlines.
• Written communication and verbal communication skills, with proven ability to produce clear and succinct documents and presentations.
• A demonstrated capacity to work in a collegiate manner with other staff in the workplace.
• Experience in developmental biology, metabolism, microscopy or image analysis would be an advantage.

Interested applicants should refer to the entry requirements for Doctoral Degree (PhD) as per Monash’s requirements: https://www.monash.edu/graduate-research/future-students/apply

How to Apply - Submit an Expression of Interest (EOI)

Interested candidates should first send an EOI to alberto.rosellodiez@monash.edu. Please state “EOI PhD scholarship – [First name, last name]” in the subject heading of the email, and please include the following:

A cover letter that includes a brief statement outlining your suitability for the role;

A curriculum vitae, including work and/or research experience;

Your academic transcripts;

A brief statement not exceeding 500 words in length that explains why you are interested in this project and area;

Contact details of two references.

Those candidates who pass the EOI stage will be interviewed over Zoom or Skype if necessary. The interviews will be conducted in English.

Enquiries

Dr Alberto Rosello-Diez. Group Leader

alberto.rosellodiez@monash.edu

Supporting a diverse workforce

For instructions on how to apply, click on the "Apply" button above for the full position description and instructions on how to apply for Monash jobs.