Quantum Algorithms for mRNA Structure Optimization
Background
Scholarship code: SRS-25034
This scholarship is open to Master of Science (research) applicants.
This prestigious scholarship is provided by the Australian Centre for Artificial Intelligence in Medical Innovation (ACAMI) at La Trobe University, in partnership with Moderna Australia.
ACAMI is the world's first university innovation centre specialising in the application of AI to accelerate the discovery and development of immunotherapies, vaccines and medical innovation, focusing on collaborative research, workforce development and clinical research. It is powered by Australia's first NVIDIA DGX H200 computer.
Moderna is a leader in the creation of the field of mRNA medicine. Through the advancement of mRNA technology, Moderna is reimagining how medicines are made and transforming how we treat and prevent disease for everyone. By working at the intersection of science, technology and health for more than a decade, the company is developing a range of new medicines and vaccines. Moderna Australia's Regional Research Centre for Respiratory Medicine and Tropical Diseases focuses on diseases of significant importance to Australia and the surrounding region and fosters the Australian mRNA research ecosystem to deliver mRNA-based solutions to the world.
As an applicant, you will be at the forefront of the emerging field of mRNA Science. The design of mRNA sequences for vaccines and therapies requires precise optimisation of their stability and structure, both of which play a crucial role in their functionality and efficacy. While mRNA technology holds immense potential, optimizing sequences remains a challenging problem due to the limitations of classical algorithms. These methods often struggle with the complexity and scale of accurately predicting mRNA secondary structures. This pilot research project aims to leverage quantum computing to address these challenges, focusing on developing novel quantum algorithms to enhance mRNA sequence design
You will be co-supervised by leading experts in AI, data science, and mRNA biology, at both ACAMI and Moderna (global), uniquely positioning you to drive transformative research for the benefit of patients worldwide.
Benefits of the scholarship
- an industry-partnered Master's by Research stipend scholarship schoalrship for two years, with a value of $35,000 p.a. to support your living costs
- a tuition fee-relief scholarship for up to two years
- a domestic conference travel allowance
- opportunities to work with a world-leading company in the mRNA field
- opportunities to work with ACAMI, a leading research centre at the intersection of AI and medical innovation
- access to Australia's first NVIDIA DGX H200 supercomputer to conduct your work
Are you eligible to apply?
To be eligible to apply for this scholarship, applicants must:
- meet the entrance requirements for the Master of Science (research)
- not be receiving another scholarship greater than 75 per cent of the stipend rate for the same purpose
- have demonstrated experience in artificial intelligence, machine learning, bioinformatics, biostatistics, or big-data analytics
- have proficiency in coding languages such as R or Python and familiarity with high-performance computing environments.
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 an Honours degree with a research thesis, or other significant body of research such as a lead authorship of a peer-reviewed publication, assessed at a La Trobe University Honours standard of 80 or above
- have a background or understanding of mRNA science, genomics or related life-science field
- have evidence of peer-reviewed publications, conference presentations, or significant research outputs demonstrating capacity for high-impact research
How to apply
If you wish to apply for this scholarship, follow steps 3 & 4 on our Master's by Research apply now webpage to submit your full application for candidature and scholarship.
Domestic applicants select the 'Graduate Research - Specialist Research Scholarship' option when prompted in the application portal, and use the scholarship code SRS-25034.
International applicants select the 'Other' scholarship option when prompted in StudyLink, and use the scholarship code SRS-25034.
Applicants may be required to attend an interview if shortlist for this scholarship. Applicants should expect to receive an outcome by February 2026.
Who to contact for further information
Renee Winzar, r.winzar@latrobe.edu.au