Target tumour cell invasion for the development of new therapies for glioblastoma

About this project

Develop novel therapies to treat glioblastoma

If you are eager to start your career in biology and motivated to contribute to brain cancer research, 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), in partnership with Austin Health, and the Royal Adelaide Hospital.

Glioblastoma is the most aggressive form of brain cancer, with a median overall survival rate of less than 18 months. This has remained virtually unchanged for three decades. A significant feature of glioblastoma is its invasiveness and consequentially its dismal prognosis.

The regions where tumour cells invade constitute immune deserts devoid of immune cells that can target tumour cells. These cold immune environments help cancer cells escape immune cells and makes the former more aggressive and resistant to immunotherapy.

Our project investigates the mechanisms that allow tumour cells to invade the surrounding brain and suppress immune cell infiltration and anti-cancer immune activity. The results will lay the foundations for new immunotherapy approaches that can treat brain cancer patients more effectively.

You will be based in the CCB, which is a dynamic and collegial environment that will provide you with every opportunity to thrive. With access to worldclass equipment, facilities and resources, you will benefit from expert mentorship and guidance during your studies. 

The CCB is an extremely well connected and highly collaborative research centre that focuses on translating research into real-world impact. You will have the opportunity to start building a prestigious industry and academic professional network. 

What you’ll do

In this project-based research degree, you will analyse and prepare human tumour sample material for single cell and spatial omics approaches and generate and culture patient-derived in vitro models, including organoids. 

You will also be involved with CRISPR/Cas9 genome editing and perform bioinformatic analysis of single cell and spatial data with advanced software, including AI-based models. Under supervision, you will perform live organoid imaging using a combination of different microscopy modalities (confocal, high-content, multiphoton, FRET). 

We will support you in the process of writing research papers and also contributing media material to communicate with industry partners and consumer advocates.

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 per annum (2025 rate) 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 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: 

• Previous expertise in bioinformatics analysis or quantitative imaging is 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 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 Thursday 16 January 2025.