Do Animals Without Neurons Sleep?
Background
Expressions of interest
Scholarship code: SRS-2516061
This PhD will investigate whether sponges and placozoans—two groups of animals without neurons—show sleep-like states. The successful candidate will help determine whether these animals are the simplest known to sleep, or the first known not to sleep. Either finding would shed light on the evolution and function of sleep.
The project will use behavioural experiments to test for well-established features of sleep. Depending on the candidate’s interests and the direction of the research, it may also involve respirometry, imaging, immunohistochemistry, proteomics and/or genetics.
The research is part of an international collaboration supported by the Human Frontier Science Program (HFSP), which will provide research costs and a PhD stipend of $36,000 per year for 3.5 years. Domestic applicants will receive priority, but interested applicants without Australian citizenship are also encouraged to apply.
Benefits of the scholarship
- a stipend scholarship for three and a half years, with a value of $36,000 per annum to support your living costs
- a fee-relief scholarship for up to four years
- opportunities to work with La Trobe's outstanding researchers, and have access to our suite of professional development programs
- potential for additional allowances for research costs, conference attendance, travel and visits to overseas laboratories - subject to approval
Are you eligible to apply?
To be eligible to apply for this scholarship, applicants must:
- meet the entrance requirements for the Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)
In selecting successful applicants, we prioritise applications from candidates who:
- will be enrolled full-time and undertaking their research at a La Trobe University campus
- have completed a Master's by research or other significant body of research, such as an honours research thesis or lead authorship of a peer-reviewed publication, assessed at a La Trobe Master's by research standard of 75 or above
Preference will be given to applicants who:
- have a strong academic record and research experience in biology, marine science, animal behaviour, neuroscience or a related field
- ideally have one or more first-author, peer-reviewed publications
- have experience with sponges and/or experience with immunohistochemistry, proteomics and/or genetics
How to apply
To express your interest, email John Lesku at j.lesku@latrobe.edu.au with:
- a brief statement outlining your interest in the project and research goals
- your CV and academic transcripts
- your research thesis or a summary of your research experience
- details or copies of relevant publications
- your citizenship status
Shortlisted candidates may be interviewed and only the preferred applicant will be invited to submit a full application for entry into the PhD and scholarship.
The successful candidate must be able to start in the first half of 2027 since the funding is tied to the HFSP grant.
Who to contact for further information
John Lesku, j.lesku@latrobe.edu.au