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Postgraduate training scholarship program opportunities

University of Sydney - 2 PHD scholarship opportunities

Supervisor(s)

TBD

Project Description

Two scholarships have been established to support two high-calibre PhD candidates undertaking research aligned with the NSW RNA Research and Training Network. The program provides enhanced training opportunities, including specialised RNA-focused coursework, professional development activities, and access to the Network’s internship and industry engagement components.

Holders of the Scholarship will receive a stipend of $42,754 per annum (indexed on 1 January each year using University of Sydney’s Research Training Program stipend rate), subject to satisfactory academic performance.

Eligibility

Applicants must:

  • be a domestic or an international student
  • must apply for admission and submit all required documentation for admission to commence or be currently enrolled in a PhD at the University of Sydney
  • submit the scholarship application form available on the Scholarships Office website
  • participate in NSW-RRTN training modules, workshops, and networking events as part of their scholarship obligations.

An applicant without an unconditional offer of admission may apply and be selected, however, no scholarship offer will be sent until the applicant has an unconditional offer of admission.

University of Wollongong - RNAi Delivery for pancreatic cancer

Supervisor(s)

  • Primary Supervisor: A/Prof Kara Vine-Perrow (UoW)
  • Co-Supervisor(s): Samantha Wade (UoW)
  • Affiliated Supervisor(s): Morteza Aghmesheh (UoW, Prince of Wales Hospital)

Collaborating Partner(s)

  • FivepHusion Pty Ltd (industry partner)
  • Prince of Wales Hospital
  • Australian National Fabrication Facility (ANFF-Materials, UoW Node)

Project Description

Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is one of the most lethal cancers, in part due to the dense fibrotic stroma that limits the delivery and efficacy of systemic chemotherapy. To overcome this, my laboratory has developed a polymeric implant (ResectAssist™) for the localised delivery of chemo- and immuno-therapeutic drugs directly into the tumour bed, demonstrating superior safety and marked tumour regression in murine PDAC models. This project will expand this platform to deliver RNA interference (RNAi) molecules targeting oncogenic drivers and stromal components that promote PDAC resistance. Using advanced hydrogel formulations, the PhD candidate will design and characterise a biodegradable RNAi-loaded implant capable of sustained, local release while maintaining RNA integrity and bioactivity. The research will integrate RNA formulation chemistry, biomaterials engineering and molecular oncology to evaluate gene silencing efficiency, tumour microenvironment modulation, and therapeutic efficacy in vitro and in vivo. This project directly addresses a major translational gap in RNA delivery, offering a scalable approach for localised RNA-based therapies with reduced off target effects.

Project Impact

This project will pioneer a next-generation platform for local RNAi delivery in solid tumours, advancing the application of RNA therapeutics beyond systemic administration - with high potential for generating new IP. By combining polymer science with RNA nanotechnology, this research will provide new insights into biomaterial–RNA interactions and enable the development of more precise, safe and effective treatments for pancreatic cancer. The project will build cross-disciplinary capability in RNA therapeutics and drug delivery within NSW, contributing to the growing RNA innovation ecosystem and strengthening partnerships between academia, healthcare and industry.

Eligibility

Domestic or International PhD candidate with background in molecular biology and biomedical engineering.

University of Wollongong - treatements for Pulmonary Fibrosis

Supervisor(s)

  • Primary Supervisor: Professor Haibo Yu (UoW) and Professor Chris Hyland (UoW)
  • Co-Supervisor(s): Lisanne Spenkelink (UoW)
  • Affiliated Supervisor(s): Dr Dieter Hamprecht (Syntara), Dr Felix Rizzuto (UNSW)

Collaborating Partner(s)

  • Syntara Pharmaceuticals (industry partner)
  • UNSW, Chemistry

Project Description

Much of our DNA is transcribed into RNA but only about 1.5% of the genome is translated into proteins. This means there is likely to be significantly more RNA drug targets than protein targets. While small molecules have been discovered that can modulate cellular RNAs, the binding of these molecules is often too weak to bring result in biological activity. One solution to this challenge is to conjugate these small molecules with an effector molecule to give a heterobifunctional molecular that cleave RNA. This emerging approach has the potential for addressing many currently undruggable diseases.

In this project we will use heterobifunctional small molecules known as Proximity Induced Nucleic Acid Degraders (PINADs) to target non-coding RNAs implicated in pulmonary fibrosis - a therapeutic area of potential interest to our industry partner Syntara.  We will combine computational techniques to identify small molecule binders and prepare these using traditional and data-driven automated synthetic chemistry. The systems tested for activity and a detailed understanding of the exact nature of the ligand binding to the RNA will be studied with collaborators at UNSW and the Molecular Horizons Research Institute at UoW.

Project Impact

As idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) has limited treatment options this project will have a future impact by delivering new avenues to explore development of therapeutics that can reverse or cure this debilitating diseases rather than just slow it down. The project will also deliver new understanding of how small molecules interact with and degrade RNA. The interdisciplinary nature of the project will allow provide guidance on how to design Proximity Induced Nucleic Acid Degraders (PINADs) that can be expanded to other unmet disease areas.

Eligibility

Domestic or International PhD candidate with background in organic synthesis/medicinal chemistry and molecular modelling. This would suit researchers at the interface of synthetic chemistry, biology and informatics.

Western Sydney University - RNA treatment for Alzheimer's

Supervisor(s)

  • Primary Supervisor: Mourad Tayebi (WSU)
  • Co-Supervisor(s): Monique David (WSU), Slade Jensen (WSU)
  • Affiliated Supervisor(s): Daniel Fernandez Ruiz (UNSW)

Project Description

This PhD project will develop and evaluate next-generation RNA-based therapeutic strategies for Alzheimer’s disease, sitting at the intersection of molecular neuroscience, RNA biology, and translational therapeutics. 

The candidate will be primarily based at Western Sydney University’s School of Medicine, embedded within a multidisciplinary team spanning Alzheimer’s biomarkers, therapeutic discovery, and RNA innovation. 

The project is closely linked with the NSW RNA Research and Translation Network (RRTN), enabling access to state-wide RNA synthesis, delivery technologies, and analytical capabilities to accelerate translation. 

The research program will focus on: (1) designing and optimising RNA constructs targeting pathological pathways implicated in Alzheimer’s disease; (2) characterising therapeutic effects using relevant cellular models; (3) validating biomarker responses using ultrasensitive platforms; and (4) contributing to in vivo proof-of-concept studies. 

The student will also be encouraged to explore complementary approaches such as RNA-based modulation of neuroinflammatory pathways. 

Through this training, the candidate will build strong skills in molecular cloning, RNA design and delivery, cell culture, neurodegeneration assays, advanced imaging, and multi-omics data interpretation, alongside exposure to industry, clinical, and regulatory perspectives. 

Outcomes will generate preclinical evidence to support future clinical translation and commercialisation, contribute to NSW’s ambition for a globally competitive RNA ecosystem, and help open new treatment avenues for a disease with major societal burden.

Project Impact

This project aims to generate preclinical proof-of-concept for novel RNA therapeutics targeting early Alzheimer’s disease, by advancing RNA construct design, delivery, and biomarker-linked efficacy testing. Successful outcomes will (i) help open new treatment avenues for a condition with major societal burden, (ii) strengthen NSW’s strategic ambition to build a globally competitive RNA ecosystem, and (iii) produce the preclinical evidence base needed for future clinical translation and commercialisation, while also training the candidate to become a leader in RNA-based neurological therapeutics.

Eligibility

Applicants must:

  • Be a domestic student – Only Australian citizens, Australian permanent residents, or eligible New Zealand citizens may apply.
  • Hold qualifications and experience equivalent to one of the following: – An Australian First Class Bachelor (Honours) degree; Master’s degree with at least a 25% research component; or aResearch Master’s degree; or Equivalent overseas qualifications assessed as comparable. Demonstrate strong academic performance in subjects relevant to: Molecular biology, neuroscience, biochemistry, biomedical science, immunology, or RNA biology.
  • Show foundational understanding of neurodegeneration, particularly: Alzheimer’s disease mechanisms, biomarker research, or neuroinflammation (or willingness to learn these areas).
  • Be willing to learn advanced methodologies, including: RNA design and delivery, neurocellular models, biomarker assays, or related analytical techniques.
  • Demonstrate enthusiasm, motivation, and capacity for independent research at an advanced level within a multidisciplinary environment. 
  • Meet English language proficiency requirements, if applicable to domestic applicants from non-English-speaking backgrounds.

University of New England – 2 PhD scholarship opportunities

Supervisor(s)

TBD

Project Description

Two PhD scholarships are available to support high-calibre PhD candidates undertaking research aligned with the NSW RNA Research and Training Network (RRTN). UNE's contribution to the Network focuses on RNA delivery systems with One Health applications, including, but not limited to, agricultural biotechnology and novel delivery systems and formulations, thereby leveraging the University's recognised strengths in these priority areas. The program provides enhanced training opportunities, including specialised RNA-focused coursework, professional development activities, and access to the Network's internship and industry engagement components, including a 3-month industry placement.

Holders of the Scholarship will receive a stipend at the University of New England's Research Training Program stipend rate (indexed annually), subject to satisfactory academic performance. International fee-waivers may be considered for exceptional applicants.

Eligibility

Applicants must:

  • Be a domestic or international student
  • Apply for admission and submit all required documentation to commence, or be currently enrolled in, a PhD at the University of New England
  • Meet UNE's standard Research Training Program (RTP) entry requirements
  • Participate in NSW-RRTN training modules, workshops, and networking events as part of their scholarship obligations
  • An applicant without an unconditional offer of admission may apply and be selected; however, no scholarship offer will be sent until the applicant has an unconditional offer of admission.