Exploring the mechanisms of age-related polyploidy in inflammation and liver cancer

About this project

Help develop novel methods of diagnosing liver cancer sooner 

If you are excited about a career in molecular biology and motivated to improve outcomes for those with liver cancer, the University of South Australia – Australia’s University of Enterprise – is offering a hands-on project-based PhD with worldwide impact within the Centre for Cancer Biology (CCB).

Primary liver cancer, most commonly hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), is the third leading cause of cancer deaths worldwide, contributing to 5% of cancer deaths in Australia per year. While there are several risk factors for liver cancer (e.g. viral hepatitis, metabolic disorders, inflammation, alcohol abuse, ageing) there are currently no routine early screening methods for early liver damage that can predict cancer risk. 

Liver cancer prognosis depends on the tumour stage at diagnosis. Early cancer onset can go unnoticed because there are few signs or symptoms. This results in a diagnosis at an advanced stage, often associated with metastasis and a median survival of less than 6 months. 

We must develop surveillance strategies that can lead to an earlier diagnosis and ultimately prevent progression to chronic liver disease. Our project will track and define liver changes and damage with ageing in the mouse, with the aim of identifying early diagnostic markers associated with liver cancer risk. 

Using our unique mouse model, our study provides a previously untested approach to identifying factors and defining mechanisms that drive the onset and progression of liver disease. This knowledge will enable future development of early screening strategies for markers associated with early liver damage and cancer risk in the general population.

You will be based within the progressive and dynamic CCB. Our researchers work with collaborators, partners and the community to find disease causes and treatments via breakthrough discoveries, and translate these into new ways to diagnose, prevent and treat cancer and other chronic diseases.

You will benefit from a comprehensive mentoring and career development program, led by world-leading researchers.  You will also have access to cutting-edge research laboratories and resources and the opportunity to learn from and collaborate with highly regarded and expert scientists and research teams. 

What you’ll do

In this project-based research degree, you will work under the broad direction of the primary and co-supervisors to coordinate and manage all aspects of the project, including project planning, performing experiments, data analysis, data presentation and preparation of presentations, publications and reports. 

You will also help plan sessions, offer new ideas on research directions and review new and relevant sources of information. You will undertake and assist with standard research activities such as laboratory maintenance and management skills, data mining, and reporting. 

We will support you to disseminate new knowledge through reports, abstracts and scientific papers. You have the opportunity to build and strengthen your communication and presentation skills at meetings, seminars, and scientific conferences, locally, nationally and internationally. These are also opportunities to establish collaborative connections and a strong professional network. 

Where you’ll be based

You will be based at the CCB, which 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 $35,200 (2025 rate) per annum is available to eligible applicants. 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 full terms and benefits of the scholarship please refer to our scholarship information for domestic students or international students.

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. Additionally, applicants must meet the project selection criteria: 

• Hold an Honours or Master degree in Molecular Biology, Cellular Biology, Histology or a related discipline
• Experience in or willingness to learn bioinformatics
• Experience in a research laboratory
• Have a good understanding of research, human and animal ethics

All applications that meet the eligibility and selection criteria will be considered for this project.

The successful applicant is expected to study full-time and to 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 Monday 13 January 2025.