Holsworth Cancer Research Initiative Scholarship
Background
Expressions of interest
This prestigious scholarship, established by La Trobe University in partnership with the Holsworth Cancer Research Initiative, will be awarded to one outstanding applicant who is interested in exploring the roles of RNA in regulating the immune response to cancer.
Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNA) play crucial roles in diverse biological processes, including cancer progression and metastasis. They are emerging as a hot new therapy for cancer. We need to understand more about lncRNA functions and mechanisms, both in physiological and pathological conditions to achieve their therapeutic potential.
This project involves molecular biology, cell culture, biochemistry and super resolution microscopy approaches to study the function of known and novel lncRNAs in cancer.
The successful applicant will conduct the majority of their work at our new labs on the Bendigo campus under the direct supervision of Dr Cristina Keightley.
We are looking for a highly motivated individual with excellent laboratory and communication skills who enjoys working at the cutting edge of science.
Benefits of the scholarship
As the successful candidate you will receive:
- a stipend for three and a half years, with a value of $34,000 per annum, to support your living costs
- a fee-relief scholarship for up to four years
- the opportunity to apply for a top-up scholarship
- support to present your work at conferences
- the opportunity to work with La Trobe’s outstanding researchers, and access to our brand new, high-end facilities at the Latrobe Rural Health School on the Bendigo campus
- access to additional state-of-the-art facilities at La Trobe Institute for Molecular Science (LIMS), Bundoora campus
- opportunities to participate in a 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 PhD
- 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
- have direct practical experience in at least some of the methodologies
- not be receiving another scholarship greater than 75 per cent of the spend rate for the same purpose
- plan to be enrolled full-time
We encourage applications from candidates who live regionally.
How to apply
Interested applicants should send an expression of interest with the subject heading “HCRI PhD EoI” to Dr Cristina Keightley at c.keightley@latrobe.edu.au.
The EoI (up to 2 pages maximum) should contain the following:
- letter expressing your interest: why do you wish to pursue a PhD in this particular area?
- brief potential research proposal of specific interest to you within the project area
- how do you meet the qualifications?
- what laboratory techniques have you already mastered?
- what will you bring to the project?
Supporting documentation (CV, academic transcripts, etc) should be attached in the same email but separately from the EoI.
Shortlisted potential applicants will be required to attend an interview. The top-ranked EoI applicant will be invited to submit a formal application for PhD and scholarship.
Who to contact for further information
Dr Cristina Keightley, c.keightley@latrobe.edu.au