Hydrogels with dynamic mechanical properties for 3D in vitro cell models

About this project

Develop hydrogels to advance medical therapies

If you are passionate about biomaterials and seeking to build a career in the health, medical & care industry, the University of South Australia – Australia’s University of Enterprise – is offering a hands-on 4-year funded project-based PhD within the Future Industries Institute, in partnership with Gelomics and CSIRO. 

This project combines different polymer chemistries to develop hydrogels that can be made stiffer or softer on-demand, replicating physiological processes. The expected outcome is the creation of hydrogels for 3D cell culture that better mimic native tissues in different stages of their development and disease. The potential benefit is improved in vitro/non-animal models with lower attrition rates and cost in drug discovery and development of advanced therapies. 

What you’ll do:  

The successful applicant will synthesise and characterise hydrogels and apply them in 3D cell culture experiments. The project includes a placement at the industrial partner Gelomics (Brisbane) for at least 60 days, and a wealth of training and development opportunities delivered through CSIRO. The candidate will also develop relationships with the industry partner, CSIRO, and peers enrolled in the industry PhD program. 

Where you’ll be based:  

The main location for the research project is the Biomaterials lab at the University of South Australia, Mawson Lakes campus. The lab has facilities for chemical synthesis, mechanical testing and 3D (bio)printing, and is part of the Future Industries Institute (FII). FII is UniSA's major research institute (80 research students) and boasts state-of-the-art analysis instrumentation for materials science (ICP-MS, XRD, SEMs, TEM, TGA, FTIR, XPS, various LC- and GC-MS) and molecular biology laboratories (tissue culture suite, histology, digital and high throughput PCR, liquid handling facilities). Further technical capabilities include a Microscopy Australia node, and the Australian National Fabrication Facility which facilitates access to cutting-edge micro- and nanofabrication equipment. The inclusion of industrial and CSIRO supervisors guarantees access to CSIRO and industry facilities, infrastructure, and expertise, and provides the candidate with an opportunity to develop industry-focused professional skills. Financial Support

This project is funded for reasonable research expenses. Additionally, a living allowance scholarship of $47,020 per annum for 4 years is available to eligible applicants. Australian Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander applicants will be eligible to receive an increased stipend rate of $50,291 per annum (2024 rates). 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 or Master degree in Chemistry, Biomedical or Chemical Engineering or a related field (essential)
• Have wet-lab research experience (desirable)

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 Mawson Lakes campus in the north 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 Wednesday 9 October 2024.