Research scholarships

About the scholarship

The project sits at the interface of AAV technology, molecular neurobiology, vision science and therapeutic development and is embedded within Macquarie University’s Vision Sciences research environment through a formal collaboration with CasBio Therapeutics. This academic-industry setting provides an opportunity to develop and test advanced gene-modulation strategies while gaining experience across both:

• fundamental molecular research
• translational therapeutic development.

The project will have a strong technical focus on the design, construction, optimisation and validation of AAV vectors for targeted gene modulation in neuronal and retinal systems. The successful candidate will work across the AAV development pipeline, including:

• vector and transgene design
• promoter selection
• molecular cloning
• AAV production and characterisation
• optimisation of transduction efficiency
• refinement of delivery strategies for cellular and in vivo applications.

The research will examine how vector design and delivery parameters influence the efficiency, specificity and durability of gene modulation, with particular emphasis on achieving robust and reproducible expression in relevant neuronal and retinal cell populations.

A major component of the project will be the biological and functional validation of AAV-mediated gene modulation. The candidate will assess target engagement and downstream molecular responses using approaches such as:

• gene and protein expression analysis
• molecular and cell biology
• imaging and quantitative assessment of neuronal and retinal outcomes.

Where appropriate, AAV platforms may also be combined with CRISPR-Cas-based gene modulation approaches to selectively regulate candidate molecular pathways involved in neuronal survival and retinal function.

Working within the Macquarie-CasBio collaboration, the successful candidate will gain multidisciplinary experience spanning AAV engineering, gene modulation, molecular validation, in vivo delivery and neuroprotective research, with a strong focus on developing and validating next-generation gene-delivery strategies for neuronal and retinal applications.

Availability

This scholarship is available to eligible candidates to undertake either:

• a direct entry one-year MRes program
• a direct entry three-year PhD program
• a four-year combined MRes and PhD program.

Applicants should have:

• demonstrated experience in AAV vector design, development or delivery
• a strong academic and research background in:
  • molecular biology
  • gene therapy
  • biotechnology
  • biochemistry
  • neuroscience
  • biomedical sciences
  • a closely related discipline.

Hands-on experience would be highly regarded in areas such as:

• molecular cloning and vector construction
• AAV production and characterisation
• transduction optimisation
• in vivo AAV delivery.

It would be advantageous to have experience with:

• CRISPR-Cas gene modulation
• cell culture
• gene and protein expression analysis
• imaging
• in vivo experimental models.

Components

The scholarship comprises:

• a tuition fee offset
• a living allowance stipend.

The value of each stipend scholarship is $39,700 per annum (full time, indexed) for up to four years.

How to apply

Before submitting your application, submit an expression of interest (EOI) to Associate Professor Vivek Gupta at vivek.gupta@mq.edu.au.

The EOI should include:

• a curriculum vitae, including research experience and publications, where applicable
• academic transcripts
• the names and contact details of two academic referees.