PhD Scholarship in Computational Biophysics

PhD Scholarship in Computational Biophysics

A project in computer simulations of membrane ion channels in collaboration with a US team funded by the National Institutes of Health.

This scholarship, with the Computational Biophysics Group in the RMIT's School of Science (Physics Discipline), provides an opportunity for a talented student to undertake their Ph.D. on a computer-based molecular biophysics project of medical significance, funded by the National Institutes of Health, USA.

The Computational Biophysics Group develops advanced physical and chemical simulation approaches to explore problems associated with membrane charge transport. Ion channels are proteins that control the movements of charged molecules across cell membranes to enable electrical activity in the body. This project involves the development and application of advanced computer simulation methods to explore the mechanisms of ion conduction, selectivity and activation for ion channels that control neuronal signalling and brain function. Investigations may extend to how these channels may be modulated by drugs, as therapeutics for a range of neurological and cardiac diseases. This project has established experimental collaborators and uses supercomputing resources in Australia and the USA, including the new DE Shaw Anton2.

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This is for a PhD Scholarship, or a top-up scholarship, for a period of 3 years. The value of the scholarship is up to $30,000 per year. For a candidate already holding a scholarship, a top-up of up to $10,000 per year is available for work on this project.

One (1).

To be eligible for this scholarship you must:

  • Have a first-class Honours degree (or equivalent Masters by Research) in physics, chemistry, biophysics, biology, engineering or related discipline
  • Be an Australian citizen, Australian Permanent Resident, or a self-funded international student
  • Be competitive or recently competitive for an APA, with the intent to apply/reapply during the scholarship
  • Preferably have research experience involving computation in condensed matter physics/physical chemistry/computational biology techniques
  • Possess a strong desire to study biological problems using physical and chemical methods, and passion for molecular science and modern supercomputing.

Applicants should contact Professor Toby Allen via toby.allen@rmit.edu.au to discuss eligibility.

Applications are open now.

Up to $30,000 per year for 3 years as scholarship (or up to $10,000 per year as a top-up scholarship, for a candidate already in receipt of an APA or equivalent scholarship). The scholarship may be extended to 3.5 years depending on progress. The applicant should be an Australian citizen, Australian Permanent Resident, or a self-funded international student.

Professor Toby Allen via toby.allen@rmit.edu.au

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