Elucidating the functions of novel genetic drivers of common inflammatory diseases

About this project

Improve the understanding of inflammatory skin diseases

If you are passionate about building a career in the health, medical and care sector and are concerned about genetic immunology, the University of South Australia – Australia’s University of Enterprise – is offering a hands-on project-based PhD within Centre for Cancer Biology (CCB). 

Chronic spontaneous urticaria (CSU) is an inflammatory skin disease driven by the uncontrolled activation of skin-resident mast cells and basophils through immunoglobulin E (IgE) and antigen-mediated crosslinking of the high-affinity IgE receptor known as FceRI. CSU is a highly prevalent disorder, with a lifetime prevalence rate of 1.8% in the general population. It is also a debilitating disease in that 40% of CSU patients experience angioedema, a condition in which small blood vessels leak fluid into the tissues, causing swelling. The genetic aetiology of CSU is elusive and genome-wide association studies (GWAS) investigating CSU are lacking. To understand the underlying genetic aetiology of CSU, we recently performed a big data analysis of the genotype-phenotype relationship in large-scale population biobanks. Our analysis deciphered a single genetic variant is significantly and consistently associated with increased urticaria incidence in all biobanks irrespective of the ethnic genetic background. This project aims to investigate the role of this novel genetic loci that chronic spontaneous urticaria. 

What you’ll do:  

The applicant will develop in vitro and in vivo disease models using state-of-the art techniques including CRISPR-based genome editing, transcriptomics and proteomics. 

Where you’ll be based:  

You’ll be based at the Centre for Cancer Biology (CCB) on UniSA’s City West campus. CCB is a medical research institute which carries out a world-class program of innovative research, making breakthrough discoveries in the fundamental causes of cancer, and translating these discoveries into new ways to prevent and treat this group of diseases. 

The CCB is an alliance between SA Pathology and the University of South Australia and boasts the largest concentration of cancer research in South Australia, currently hosting 22 full-time research group leaders and their teams. 

CCB laboratories carry out research in leukaemia, breast cancer, prostate cancer, skin cancer, brain cancer and colon cancer, focussing in the specialised areas of gene regulation, molecular signalling, translational oncology and cancer genomics. In addition to these laboratories, our ACRF cancer Genomics Facility is providing access to state-of-the-art genomics research equipment, computing technology and bioinformatics expertise to Adelaide BioMed Precinct and the wider research community. 

Translation of new discoveries into clinical practice is strengthened by the co-localisation of the laboratories within a single Institute, as well as its proximity and close collaboration with the Royal Adelaide Hospital, the University of South Australia, the University of Adelaide and SAHMRI. 

The CCB also has alliances with leading pharmaceutical companies to rapidly exploit new discoveries. The Institute aims to be a hub of internationally recognized cancer research excellence, achieving tangible outcomes for cancer patients. 

The CCB is a member of the Association of Australian Medical Research Institutes (AAMRI). Financial Support

This project is funded for reasonable research expenses. Additionally, a living allowance scholarship of $32,500 per annum is available to Australian and New Zealand citizens, and permanent residents of Australia, including permanent humanitarian visa holders. Australian Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander applicants will be eligible to receive an increased stipend rate of $50,291 per annum. A fee-offset or waiver for the standard term of the program is also included. For full terms and benefits of the scholarship please refer to our scholarship information.

Eligibility and Selection

This project is open to applications from Australian or New Zealand citizens, and Australian permanent residents or permanent humanitarian visa holders. International applicants are not invited to apply at this time. 

Applicants must meet the eligibility criteria for entrance into a PhD. Additionally applicants must meet the project selection criteria:

• Hold an Honours degree in a relevant discipline

The successful applicant is expected to study full-time and be based at our City West campus in the heart of Adelaide.

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 Tuesday 15 October 2024.