ELS MQRES Glycoproteomics PhD Scholarship
Closing Date: 14 December 2008
Sugar-protein interactions – the first line of defence against pathogens
A Macquarie University Research Excellence Scholarship (MQRES) for PhD research in Glycoproteomics is available in the Department of Chemistry and Biomolecular Sciences (CBMS) at Macquarie University, Sydney, Australia. This project addresses the hypothesis that the human innate immune system has evolved to use the infective attachment mechanism of the pathogen to its own advantage. By using the same protein-sugar interactions to bind the microbes to glycoproteins in various secreted human biological fluids, the viral, bacterial and fungal pathogens can be expelled from the body. In particular, the mechanism of this interaction in human milk and how it differs from that of cow’s milk will be compared in order to determine whether this protective effect of mother’s milk can be mimicked in breast milk substitutes. The successful applicant will utilise the infrastructure available at the Australian Proteome Analysis Facility (www.proteome.org.au) at Macquarie University and will receive comprehensive training in sample separation, protein and carbohydrate analysis and biological mass spectrometry.MQRES Scholarships are available to Australian and international students. Applicants should have completed an Australian undergraduate degree with first class honours in a relevant discipline (analytical chemistry, microbiology, biochemistry, medicine) or demonstrate equivalent research qualifications from an Australian or overseas university, such as a Masters degree with substantial research thesis component.
The MQRES stipend is $20,007 per annum, tax exempt (2008) indexed to rise annually, and allowances for travel, thesis and leave also apply. Tenure is a maximum of 3.5 years full-time, subject to satisfactory progress. Tuition fees will be funded for the scholarship tenure with domestic students receiving an RTS funded place and international students having their tuition fees and compulsory overseas health cover paid over their award tenure.
For further information and discussion regarding the project, applicants are encouraged to contact the supervisor, Professor Nicki Packer: email: npacker@cbms.mq.edu.au ; telephone: +61-2-9850-8176.
Application forms (see below), and conditions for MQRES awards, are available from the Higher Degree Research Office, telephone +61-2-9850 7663, or e-mail: hdrschol@vc.mq.edu.au.
Applications should be forwarded to:
The Scholarship Officer
The Research Hub
Level 3, C5C East
Macquarie University NSW 2109
AUSTRALIA
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