Scholarship Opportunities

The School of Biomedical Sciences & Pharmacy at the University of Newcastle, has a large number of PHD students engaged in a wide variety of research projects. There is a mix of both domestic and international students, funded by various sholarship opportunities including APAs.

If you are looking to do your PHD at Newcastle in the School of Biomedical Sciences and Pharmacy we have a number of PHD projects currently available. These are listed below, and further details can be sought through the contact email. These scholarships would most likely suit someone who has, or is expected to obtain a Honours Class 1 degree.

University of Newcastle Entry Requirements

Associate Professor PS Bolton: Somatosensory Integration.

We are interested in understanding how the brain and spinal cord process sensory information including that giving rise to pain. We have PHD opportunities on projects to determine how dysfunction or injury to the spine and neck influences the brain and spinal cord and the role that this plays in the development of signs and symptoms associated with spinal injuries such as those following a whiplash event.
Email: Philip.Bolton@newcastle.edu.au

Associate Professor A Brichta: The Neurobiology of Balance

We use a variety of techniques to study the cascade of cellular events that lead to the generation, transmission, and modification of inner ear balance signals. PhD projects include studies of vestibular hair cells, primary afferents, and their target vestibular nuclei. Understanding these components will help us unravel the mysterious causes that underlie debilitating dizziness, imbalance, and vertigo.
Email: Alan.Brichta@newcastle.edu.au

Professor P Foster: Immunology of Asthma and Respiratory Infections.

Our goal is to understand the molecular and cellular pathways that are involved in the development and progression of asthma and other chronic inflammatory diseases of the lung. In particular, we have PHD opportunities in how infection of the lung with viruses or bacteria triggers asthma episodes and leads to alterations in lung function and inflammation.
Email: Paul.Foster@newcastle.edu.au

Professor M Gleeson: Exercise Immunology of Elite Atletes

Our program is addressing the impacts of high performance sport on the immune system and the causes of Upper Respiratory Illness. We have a PHD project that is developing a paradyme for detection of athletes and risk of infections in a range of elite sports. The PHD program will be evaluating therapeutic and nutritional prevention strategies. The programs are conducted in association with the Australian Institute of Sport and the student will need to be based both in Canberra and Newcastle. Experience in exercise physiology and biomedical laboratory techniques, including molecular genetics is involved. The project is also suited to a clinician who is interested in incorporting a clinical component to the PHD.
Email: Maree.Gleeson@hnehealth.nsw.gov.au

Associate Professor P Hansbro: Cellular and Molecular biology, Histology, Physiology and Microbiology/Virology.

A prominent research strength of the school is the Priority Research Centre (PRC) for Asthma and Respiratory Disease. This strong research focus has been enhanced by the development of the Hunter Medical Research Institute (HMRI) and my group forms a major part of the Viruses, Infection, Viruses and Asthma (VIVA) section of HMRI. My group is based at the David Maddison Clinical Sciences Building in the Newcastle precinct, in the PRC and VIVA. My group is involved in basic and translational research in the area of infection, asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD, emphysema). We have strong clinical links. Our research is increasing the understanding of the processes that lead to the pathogenesis of infection, asthma and COPD, how these diseases interact and the development of new preventions and treatments. My group is highly motivated, focussed and dynamic. We have PhD places available to work in a team environment in our group on NHMRC/ARC funded projects. Our research is diverse and uses cutting edge techniques and procedures in cellular and molecular biology, histology, physiology and microbiology/virology. We are seeking highly organized, enthusiastic, motivated and organised PhD scholars interested in working within a team environment with highly experienced supervisors. There will be substantial research assistant support and there is a large cohort of senior PhD students already in our group. For further information or to express an interest please contact A/Prof Phil Hansbro by email: Philip.Hansbro@newcastle.edu.au or phone: 02 4913 8819.

Professor KT Jones: Cell Biology of Chromosomes: Meiosis and Mitosis.

We have a number of PHD projects to explore the control of chromosome division in both mitosis and meiosis using a cell biology toolbox of constructs . Our focus is in oocytes (meiosis), where chromosome mis-segregation is high and leads to aneuploidy, the leading cause of embryo loss and consequently a major reproductive health issue.
Email: keith.jones@newcastle.edu.au

Dr Karen Kerr: Modulation of Spontaneous Contractions in the Uterus.

We use a range of methods to elucidate the various cell signaling pathways that contribute to the contractility of the mouse myometrium in response to various autacoids, neurotransmitters and hormones.  Techniques include organ bath studies, calcium imaging, immunohistochemistry and electrophysiology.  We have several projects that study possible factors affecting premature birth which remains a major unsolved problem that affects some 15% of births internationally and is increasing in incidence.
Email: Karen.Kerr@newcastle.edu.au

Associate Professor J Mattes: Experimental and Translational Immunology.

We study how microRNAs and viruses affect airways inflammation and obstruction which are hallmark features of asthma. To this end we use cutting-edge experimental models and perform studies in subjects suffering from asthma and wheezing illness to translate our studies into clinically significant findings and novel therapeutic approaches. We have various projects available that are suitable for excellent students to apply for a University scholarship.
Email: joerg.mattes@newcastle.edu.au, see also www.childresearch.org.au

Dr L Milward: Omics for Brain and Eye Health.

We have a range of PHD projects investigating factors involved in brain and eye health and degenerative diseases using a range of genomics, bioinformatics and cellular and molecular biochemical techniques in transgenic animal models, culture models and humans."
Email: Liz.milward@newcastle.edu.au

Dr L Wood: Translational Nutrition Research

We are investigating mechanisms by which dietary factors modulate inflammation, with a particular focus on asthma. Our key areas of interest are dietary antioxidants, fatty acids and obesity. We have developed the technique of using short-term interventions to assess how dietary factors modify inflammatory and clinical responses. We have PhD opportunities on a range of translational research projects in this area, which will allow you to develop both clinical and laboratory research skills. We provide a supportive team environment with experienced supervisors. The team is based in the Respiratory Research Group, at Hunter Medical Research Institute, John Hunter Hospital.
Email: Lisa.wood@newcastle.edu.au