The next generation of OEC therapy for spinal cord injury repair
We are currently looking for a PhD candidate to develop and optimise the next generation of OEC therapy for spinal cord injury repair.
The primary focus of this role is to work on our team’s highly specialised 3D culture techniques for creating the cell-based therapeutic constructs for spinal cord injury repair. This project includes harvesting, culturing and purifying olfactory ensheathing cells, preparing 3D cultured nerve bridges and performing functional tests to determine their potency across in-vitro as well as in-vivo models.
Success in this role requires collaboration with our large interdisciplinary team of over 40 members, and our clinician partners.
Scholarship details
The Clem Jones Centre for Neurobiology and Stem Cell Research (CJCNSCR) at Griffith University headed by Prof James St John is a large multi-disciplinary group including cell biologists, molecular biologists, bioengineers and surgeons. We combine discovery and translational research to optimise and accelerate the delivery of therapeutic outcomes for people with severe disability. Our centre engages with the community to shape our research and to create solutions that have a clear path to market.
This PhD project will be primarily based at the Gold Coast campus but may also be at the Nathan campus as required.
The selection of applicants for the award of higher degree research scholarships at Griffith University involves consideration of your academic merit and research background. To be successful within this role, a scientific background in neuroscience and cell biology is desirable. You will have evidence of a passion for conducting basic and translational research, with a strong desire to undertake research in neural repair.
- Expressions of interest are welcome from domestic and international applicants.
- Applicants must have completed, or expect to complete, a bachelors degree with honours equivalent to first class honours or a Masters degree (AQF Level 9) incorporating a significant research component of a standard comparable to a bachelor honours degree or be regarded by Griffith University as having an equivalent level of attainment in accordance with Schedule One of the HDR Scholarship Procedure. For further information on the eligibility requirements for the program refer here.
International applicants should ensure that English Language Proficiency requirements for the program are met before formally applying. Applicants to research programs will need to show they meet:
- A minimum overall band score of 6.5 on the IELTS (Academic) with no band score less than 6.0 OR
- A minimum score of 575 on the paper-based TOEFL including a score of no less than 5.0 on the TWE OR
- A score of 79 on the internet-based (iBT) TOEFL with no sub-score less than 19
The 2025 Griffith University Postgraduate Research Scholarship has an annual stipend of $34,752 (indexed) for a period of up to three years of full-time study. Please see the GUPRS Conditions of Award for more information.
A successful International applicant will also be awarded a Griffith University International Postgraduate Research Scholarship to cover tuition fees for up to three years. Please see the GUIPRS Conditions of Award for more information.
As a scholarship holder, you will study with a University that ranks among the top 2% worldwide and spans across campuses in South East Queensland. At Griffith University, we’ve worked hard to create a culture that will challenge you to be curious, creative and courageous. We also support the professional and personal development of all our HDR candidates and invest in the skills of our people. Griffith University values diversity, inclusion and flexibility and we encourage Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander, and people of all backgrounds to apply. Griffith's strategic goals are to also increase the proportion of women in senior academic and administrative roles and in Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics and Medicine (STEMM).
For project related enquiries please contact:
Dr Ronak Reshamwala
Email: r.reshamwala@griffith.edu.au
For administration enquiries please contact:
Griffith Graduate Research School
Please do not select the “APPLY” button. All expressions of interest must be submitted to r.reshamwala@griffith.edu.au containing:
- Statement addressing your suitability for the project/scholarship
- Evidence that you have completed a program with the required grades as detailed in the about you section, including a copy of your academic transcript
- A curriculum vitae (CV) using the Griffith CV template.
- Names of two referees
The closing date for expressions of interest is: 5pm AEST Friday 03 January 2025
The preferred applicant will then be invited to apply for the program and scholarship on-line
Get in touch
If you have a question, need some help with your scholarship application, or would like to make a donation, feel free to contact us.