PhD Scholarship in Biomedical Science and Nanotechnology

Seeking PhD students to work on a fully funded inter-disciplinary project led by Distinguished Prof. Magdalena Plebanski and Vice-Chancellor’s Postdoctoral Fellow Dr. Yi David Ju.

The project will combine particle nanoengineering, comprehensive proteomics analysis, and whole blood immune assays to understand the relationships between nanoparticle design, biomolecular corona composition, and the association of nanoparticles with immune cells. The candidate will be trained in the area of nanoscience and nanotechnology and immunology to learn key skills in synthesis and characterisation of nanomaterials, nano-bio interactions and immunology.

The PhD candidate will further participate in established collaborations with other leading nanotechnology laboratories across multiple Institutions such as The Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity and The University of Melbourne.

Check out the related publications to this project:

  • Ju, Y.; Kelly, H. G.; Dagley, L. F.; Reynaldi, A.; Schlub, T. E.; Spall, S. K.; Bell, C. A.; Cui, J.; Mitchell, A. J.; Lin, Z.; Wheatley, A. K.; Thurecht, K. J.; Davenport, M. P.; Webb, A. I.; Caruso, F.; Kent, S. J. Person-Specific Biomolecular Coronas Modulate Nanoparticle Interactions with Immune Cells in Human Blood. ACS Nano 2020, 14, 15723-15737.
  • Song, J.; Ju, Y.; Amarasena, T. H.; Lin, Z.; Mettu, S.; Zhou, J.; Rahim, M. A.; Ang, C.-S.; Cortez-Jugo, C.; Kent, S. J.; Caruso, F. Influence of Poly(Ethylene Glycol) Molecular Architecture on Particle Assembly and Ex Vivo Particle–Immune Cell Interactions in Human Blood. ACS Nano 2021, 10.1021/acsnano.1c01642.

Scholarship is valued at up to AUD $31,000 per annum for 3 years full-time, with the possibility for 6 month extension.

Three (3).

The ideal candidate will have first-class Honours or a Masters degree in material science/engineering, nanotechnology, chemistry, immunology or a related field. Practical or research experience related to engineering and characterisation of nanoparticles or immunoassay will be considered favourable.

To apply, please submit the following documents to Prof. Magdalena Plenbanski via magdalena.plebanski@rmit.edu.au and Dr. Yi David Ju via david.ju@rmit.edu.au

  • A copy of electronic academic transcripts
  • A CV that includes any publications/awards and the contact details of two referees.

17 June 2021.

Applications will close once candidates are appointed.

This scholarship is part of a high profile, interdisciplinary, discovery project being conducted in collaboration with researchers from highly ranked universities and institutes.

This scholarship will be governed by RMIT University's Research Scholarship Terms and Conditions.

Prof. Magdalena Plenbanski at magdalena.plebanski@rmit.edu.au or Dr. Yi David Ju at david.ju@rmit.edu.au

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Acknowledgement of Country

RMIT University acknowledges the people of the Woi wurrung and Boon wurrung language groups of the eastern Kulin Nation on whose unceded lands we conduct the business of the University. RMIT University respectfully acknowledges their Ancestors and Elders, past and present. RMIT also acknowledges the Traditional Custodians and their Ancestors of the lands and waters across Australia where we conduct our business - Artwork 'Luwaytini' by Mark Cleaver, Palawa.