[AUSTRALIA] ELS Clinical Proteomics PhD Scholarship

[AUSTRALIA] ELS Clinical Proteomics PhD Scholarship

Closing Date: 18 April 2008
Protein biomarker discovery in colorectal cancer research

A Macquarie University Research Excellence Scholarship (MQRES) for PhD research in clinical proteomics is available in the Department of Chemistry and Biomolecular Sciences (CBMS) at Macquarie University, Sydney, Australia. This project underpins an NHMRC grant investigating protein biomarkers in colorectal cancer for personalised medicine. The awardee will utilise the mass spectrometry infrastructure available at the Australian Proteome Analysis Facility (www.proteome.org.au) at Macquarie University.

Human blood plasma is an easily obtainable biofluid that contains many thousands of proteins/peptides that may be useful biomarkers for detecting diseases and monitoring disease progression. This project will use mass spectrometry to evaluate plasma collection procedures and establish a baseline of biomarker protein levels that occur naturally in the general population. The information will be applied to identify protein biomarkers in plasma from colorectal cancer patients that may be useful for early identification of patients at risk of treatment-related chemotoxicity and for determining patient prognosis. The successful applicant will receive comprehensive training in sample separation techniques and mass spectrometry for protein identification and quantitation.

Applicants should have completed an Australian undergraduate degree with first class honours in a relevant discipline (Analytical chemistry, biochemistry, medicine) or demonstrate equivalent research qualifications from an overseas university, such as a Masters degree with substantial thesis component. Hands-on experience in proteomics and/or biological mass spectrometry is highly desirable.

The MQRES stipend is currently $20,007 p.a. tax exempt (2008). Tenure is a maximum 3.5 years full-time, subject to satisfactory progress. Tuition fees will be funded for the scholarship tenure with domestic students receiving RTS placement for their research degree tuition and International award holders having their fees sponsored.

For further information and discussion regarding the project, applicants are encouraged to contact the supervisor, Associate Professor Mark Molloy: email: mmolloy@proteome.org.au; telephone:+61-2-9850-6218

Application forms (see below), and conditions for MQRES awards, are available from the Higher Degree Research Office, telephone +61-2-9850 7663, or e-mail: hdrschol@vc.mq.edu.au.
Applications should be forwarded to:

The Scholarship Officer
Higher Degree Research Office
Cottage C4C
Macquarie University
NSW 2109
Australia

Info : http://www.research.mq.edu.au/