Fully Funded Research Scholarship in Australia
Applications are now open for an exciting Research scholarship in Australia focused on cutting-edge Nanotechnologies for tuberculosis detection and diagnostics. Hosted at the prestigious University of Queensland, this fully funded PhD offers a transformative scholarship opportunity for life science graduates eager to contribute to global health innovation while working within a world-class research environment.
About the University of Queensland
The University of Queensland (UQ) is one of Australia’s leading research-intensive universities, globally recognised for excellence in biomedical sciences, health innovation, and Nanotechnologies research. Through its world-class institutes such as IMB, UQ delivers impactful research addressing global challenges and supports future scientific leaders through competitive Research scholarship programs.
Scholarship Details
- Title: Nanotechnologies for Tuberculosis Detection and Diagnostics
- Program: Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)
- Location: St Lucia
- This project is supported by a Research Project Scholarship, which includes:
- A living stipend of $37,500 per annum (tax-free, 2026 rate), indexed annually
- Full coverage of tuition fees
Research Areas
- Biological Sciences
- Biomedical and Clinical Sciences
- Chemical Sciences
- Health Sciences
Project Overview
This PhD project aims to revolutionise the diagnosis and characterisation of tuberculosis (TB), with a particular focus on drug-resistant TB (DR-TB), by integrating nanoparticle-based capture technologies with rapid sequencing approaches.
The project involves screening a library of nanobodies to identify suitable candidates for bioconjugation to nanoparticles, enabling specific and sensitive TB capture directly from clinical samples. The deployment of these bioconjugated nanoparticles is expected to significantly reduce diagnostic timelines by eliminating traditional, time-consuming steps required for contaminant removal and pre-concentration.
Chemical probes will also be incorporated to identify phenotypic characteristics specific to DR-TB, further enhancing diagnostic accuracy and speed. This PhD forms part of a multinational collaboration focused on rapid TB diagnosis in Southeast Asia and offers opportunities to work closely with clinicians and researchers across the consortium.
Research Environment
The research will be conducted at the Institute for Molecular Bioscience (IMB), which houses one of Australia’s leading collections of advanced scientific infrastructure. Facilities include high-resolution mass spectrometry, state-of-the-art microscopy, flow cytometry, microfluidics, and sequencing platforms.
The project will be hosted in the Blaskovich Research Group at IMB. The group has extensive microbiological capabilities, including in vitro MIC assays and in vivo mouse infection models. Additional access includes nanoparticle characterisation tools such as SEM, TEM, XRD, and DLS, as well as BLI/SPR systems for binding kinetics studies.
IMB is ranked among the Top 20 life sciences research institutes globally.
Supervision
- Principal Supervisor: Professor Mark Blaskovich, Institute for Molecular Bioscience
- Associate Supervisor: Dr Sanjaya KC, Institute for Molecular Bioscience
Preferred Educational Background
Applications are assessed competitively, taking into account:
- Academic record
- Publication record
- Honours and awards
- Employment history
A working knowledge of general microbiology, molecular biology, and/or genomics is beneficial. Demonstrated academic achievement in microbiology and strong potential for scholastic success are expected. Background knowledge in DNA sequencing and data analysis is highly desirable.
Application Process for Research Scholarship
Expression of Interest (EOI) deadline: 31 March 2026
Applicants must:
- Check eligibility for the Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)
- Prepare required documentation
- Submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) for the program
A separate application for the project or scholarship is not required.
Within the EOI, applicants must complete the Scholarship/Sponsorship section as follows:
- Applying for an advertised project: Yes
- Project: Research project scholarship
- Scholarship Code: TUBERCULOSIS-BLASKOVICH
