Targeting acute myeloid leukemia with nanomedicine combination therapy

About this project

Improve survival outcomes for those living with leukemia

If you are excited about a career in nanomedicine and passionate about developing novel, cutting edge treatments for blood cancers, the University of South Australia – Australia’s University of Enterprise – is offering a hands-on project-based PhD with important community impact, within the Centre for Pharmaceutical Innovation (CPI).

Acute myeloid leukaemia (AML) is an aggressive blood cancer that kills 75% of patients. This groundbreaking project will be the first to employ a nanomedicine approach to eradicate AML relapse-driving cells. 

Successful outcomes will accelerate the translation of this nanomedicine approach into clinical trials. Our ultimate vision is to improve patient survival and cure many patients affected by AML and other blood cancers with a high disease relapse rate.

You will be based in the CPI, within the Nanostructure and Drug Delivery Laboratory. The Lab is a friendly and supportive environment and you will benefit from the expertise of worldclass mentors and the collegiality of early career and senior researchers. 

You will have access to cutting-edge technology, facilities and resources and will have ample opportunities to interact with industry and academic partners. From this base, you can start building a career-influencing professional network. 

What you’ll do

In this project-based research degree, you will, under supervision, help develop Active Targeting MP8 nanomedicine using conjugated CD123 monoclonal antibody to MP8-nanomedicine that specifically interacts with the CD123 marker which is highly expressed by AML relapse-driving cells. 

You will compare Passive Targeting versus Active Targeting MP8 nanomedicine therapies to treat AML in combination with chemotherapy and the targeted venetoclax therapy.

There will be opportunities to gain feedback on and share your research with the wider University community and the industry, through presentations and journal articles. 

Where you’ll be based

You will be based in the CPI. We are known for innovation, impact, and exceptional education and we have a clear vision to become an internationally recognised pharmaceutical research enterprise. We want to deliver better medicines and prepare future pharmaceutical leaders to expertly respond to real-world needs.

It is our mission to transform medical possibilities into clinical realities. This is achieved through high quality education and efficacious industry collaboration. We partner with Australian and international organisations, research groups, government agencies and professional associations to deliver next-generation pharmaceutical solution. Financial Support  

This project is funded for reasonable research expenses. Additionally, a living allowance scholarship of $35,200 (2025 rate) per annum is available to Australian and New Zealand citizens, permanent residents of Australia. Australian Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander applicants will be eligible to receive an increased stipend rate of $52,352 (2025 rate) per annum. A fee-offset or waiver for the standard term of the program is also included for this group. For full terms and benefits of the scholarship please refer to our scholarship information. International applicants will not be eligible to receive the scholarship.

Eligibility and Selection 

This project is open to applications from both Domestic and International applicants.

Applicants must meet the eligibility criteria for entrance into a PhD. All applications that meet the eligibility and selection criteria will be considered for this project. A merit selection process will be used to determine the successful candidate.

The successful applicant is expected to study full-time and to be based at our City West Campus in the heart of Adelaide. Note that international students on a student visa will need to study full-time.

Essential Dates 

Applicants are expected to start in a timely fashion upon receipt of an offer. Extended deferral periods are not available. Applications close on Wednesday 15 January 2025.