RNA nanofactories in yeast for biotechnology
We seek a PhD candidate for a groundbreaking project to engineer recombinant nanofactories in yeast as cost-effective, precise, and biocompatible carriers for RNA therapeutics. Training spans synthetic biology, neuroscience, and in vitro/in vivo work.
Gene therapies show great promise in molecular medicine to treat extant and emerging human diseases. However, despite recent advancements, challenges persist in overcoming the gene therapy transduction gap, which includes untargeted delivery and limited efficacy in target cells. Although viral vectors help address this, issues like high production costs and the need for efficient, immune-compatible delivery systems remain. This project aims to develop a novel system to engineer organic nanomaterials in yeast as a cost-effective chassis for biocompatible therapeutic nanocarriers. This will ultimately enable scalable production and controlled integration with applications including gene therapies, the treatment of diverse diseases, and biocontrol applications.
Key details
- 20247230
- PhD
- Applications close on 1 March 2025
- Domestic, International
- Medicine and health, science
- $38,500 p.a.
About the scholarship
We are seeking an enthusiastic PhD candidate to work on this exciting project, with ongoing collaboration between the ARC Centre of Excellence in Synthetic Biology (CoESB) and the Dementia Research Centre (DRC) at Macquarie University. We offer training and expertise in RNA biology, yeast synthetic biology, neuroscience, and in vitro/in vivo experimentation using mammalian models. This interdisciplinary project aims to advance biotechnology and nanomedicine, developing impactful, next generation therapeutics.
Project goals include:
- optimising recombinant protein assembly and purification from the yeast host, aimed at developing methodologies that will be suitable for scaling up production
- executing a proof-of-concept (PoC) for the system in mammalian models using reporter cargos
- exploring novel avenues for further therapeutic development
- exploring the convergence of molecular biology, neuroscience and computational modelling towards optimisation of the system for therapeutic delivery, enabling predictive insights into their design and function.
Key anticipated outcomes for the PhD scholarship include:
- delivering a proof-of-concept to showcase synthesis in the yeast host and optimising its assembly and delivery to mammalian cells
- contribute to the establishment of a patent and continued R&D towards clinical trials and commercialisation
- delivering a minimum of at least two high-impact publications as lead author.
Availability
This scholarship is available to eligible candidates to undertake a direct entry three-year PhD program.
The project would suit applicants who are self-motivated, eager to collaborate, and willing to embrace exiting new challenges. We invite those with a background in at least two of the following fields of research:
- microbiology (preferably in yeast research)
- molecular or synthetic biology
- drug discovery, neuroscience or clinical biology
- in vitro or in vivo experimentation.
Components
The scholarship comprises:
- a tuition fee offset/scholarship
- a living allowance stipend.
The value of each stipend scholarship is $38,500 per annum (full time, indexed) for three years.
How to apply
Before submitting your application below, please send an expression of interest to Dr. Roy Walker (roy.walker@mq.edu.au). Alternatively, Dr. Ole Tietz (ole.tietz@mq.edu.au) and Dr. Edward Archer (edward.archer@mq.edu.au) may be contacted after the 22nd of February.
Expressions of interest should include:
- a targeted cover letter
- an up-to-date CV
Detailed application instructions, including eligibility requirements, can be found on the official application page (through the link below). Please ensure all required documents are prepared and submitted before the deadline.
A short list of eligible candidates will then be interviewed online or in person as part of the selection process.