New drugs to treat brain cancer

About this project

Develop a novel drug therapy for brain cancer patients

If you are excited about a career in biomedicine and dedicated to developing potentially life-changing innovative cancer treatments, the University of South Australia – Australia’s University of Enterprise – is offering a hands-on project-based PhD within the Centre for Cancer Biology (CCB).

Cancer is a leading cause of death in Australia and globally. Many patients are treated with targeted therapies. These are drugs that 'target' small genetic defects in the cancer cell's DNA, such as mutations. 

However, these therapies have side effects, are costly and can only be used for some patients. Thus, we need more innovative therapies.

This project aims to target large genetic defects in cancer cells. These chromosomal abnormalities occur in 90% of all cancers and our work has already shown that they are better predictors of drug response than small genetic defects. 

We aim to test drug efficacies on glioblastoma (GBM) brain cancer patient-derived cells and then test drug efficacies in mice. Ultimately, our goal is to produce one or more potential new drugs to treat GBM brain cancer.

You will be based within the CCB. We are renowned for our cutting-edge research that translates into real-world impact. You will benefit from access to outstanding facilities, equipment and resources and guidance and mentorship from thought leaders in their fields.

This project promotes collaboration, translation, patient care, better policies, education and awareness. Your expertise, skills and experience will be in great demand upon completion of your studies. 

What you’ll do

In this project-based research degree, you will test potential new treatments for GBM brain cancer in the laboratory. 

Our project involves collaborations with researchers, clinicians and industry partners so you will have ample opportunities to hone your communication skills and start building a strong platform of professional connections. 

We will support you to write and submit journal articles to high-impact outlets. You will also have the opportunity to regularly present your work at meetings, symposia and/or conferences. 

Where you’ll be based

You will be based at the Centre for Cancer Biology (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 per annum (2025 rate) 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 $52,352 per annum (2025 rate). 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. 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 Sunday 24 November 2024.