La Trobe University Industry PhD Scholarship Axial Biotherapeutics Pty Ltd: Characterizing microbial metabolites as drivers of microbial function
Background
Applications for this scholarship will remain open until the scholarship is filled.
It is now well established that the gastrointestinal microbiome plays an important role in modulating the nervous system as well as the immune system however the precise biological mechanisms remain to be clarified. Recent work has convincingly shown that metabolites produced by microbes in the gastrointestinal tract alter the brain. Although the majority of microbes are present in the faeces, a substantial proportion of the microbial population are embedded in the mucus biofilm of the gastrointestinal tract in close proximity to the mucosal epithelium as well as immune cells and the enteric nervous system. The characterization of both the structural components and functional outputs of the microbiome within this biofilm will improve our understanding of the physiological interactions involved in this complex ecosystem.
This project aims to conducted research into the interactions between the host and the microbiome in the context of autism, through the use of mouse models. Experiments will focus on microbial profiling of different regions of the gastrointestinal tract and the biogeographical effects of metabolite treatment on the gastrointestinal mucosal biofilm. This will provide a strong foundation for understanding relationship between metabolites and the gastrointestinal microbiota as well as characterize the microbial population of the gastrointestinal mucus biofilm.
This PhD is funded by Axial Biotherapeutics Australia Pty Ltd led by Prof Ashley Franks and supported by Dr Stewart Campbell, Dr Anya Shindler and Dr Jen Wood at La Trobe University. The successful applicant will be based at La Trobe Bundoora Campus and work closely with all investigators.
Benefits of the scholarship include:
- a La Trobe Research Scholarship for three and a half years, with a value of $28,854.00 per annum, to support your living costs (2022 rate)
- a fee-relief scholarship for up to four years
- relocation allowance and publication/thesis allowance
- opportunities to work with La Trobe’s outstanding researchers, and have access to our suite of professional development programs.
Are you eligible to apply?
To be eligible to apply for this scholarship, applicants must:
- meet the entrance requirements for the Doctor of Philosophy
- not be receiving another scholarship greater than 75 per cent of the stipend rate for the same purpose
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 Masters 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 Masters by research standard of 75 or above
Recipients of the scholarship shall be selected by the University based on their:
How to apply
If you wish to apply for this scholarship, follow Step 3 on our research application page – please ensure you submit a full application for scholarship and candidature.
Please note: As part of your application you are not required to identify a potential supervisor – Professor Ashley Franks is the designated supervisor for this project.
In your application, clearly indicate that you wish to be considered for the La Trobe University Industry Research Scholarship Axial Biotherapeutics Australia Pty Ltd
Selection process: The University will carefully review your application and consider you for this scholarship.
If you are shortlisted for the scholarship and candidature, you will be invited to an interview with representatives of La Trobe and Axial Biotherapeutics Australia Pty Ltd.
The final decision will be made based on your application and interview. The successful candidate will be made an offer for candidature and scholarship.
You will be advised of an outcome within 30-45 days of applying.
Who to contact for further information
Professor Ashely Franks Pro Vice Chancellor Research Capability, La Trobe University, a.franks@latrobe.edu.au