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Student and postdoctoral funding opportunities

PhD Scholarships in Basic Medical Research

Have you considered undertaking a PhD with some of the best scientists in the world? Why not take control of your own future and be proactive in the choice of research area that excites you. If you’re an outstanding and enthusiastic graduate committed to a career in research then apply now for a PhD scholarship at CMRI.

The Children’s Medical Research Institute (CMRI) is an award-winning state-of-the-art medical research facility, with over 100 full-time scientists dedicated to researching the genes and proteins important for health and human development. The CMRI is supported in part by its key fundraiser Jeans for Genes®. Our scientists are internationally recognised research leaders and foster excellence in postgraduate training. CMRI graduates are highly sought after nationally and internationally.

The CMRI is located at Westmead, a major hub for research and medicine in NSW, and is affiliated with the University of Sydney. We are easy to access by public transport.
Projects are multi-disciplinary with training in molecular and cellular biology techniques, with some involving mass spectrometry, proteomics, protein-protein interactions, transgenic animals or live cell imaging. More information can be found on our website www.cmri.org.au.

Current project areas include:

  • Eye Genetics (Robyn Jamieson) - We are using high-resolution genomics in patients, and animal and cell-based models to characterise novel genes and new treatment strategies in blinding eye disease.
  • Embryology (Patrick Tam) - The cellular and molecular mechanisms by which cells in embryos determine the body plan and how faults occur during abnormal development is being explored by investigating the differentiation of embryo-derived stem cells and analyzing genetic models of birth defects.
  • Phospho/glycoproteomics (Mark Graham) - A novel cell signalling molecule has been discovered on a key brain protein. The regulation of events at the synapse by this molecule are being studied.
  • Cell Biology (Tracy Bryan) - Telomerase is the enzyme responsible for allowing most cancer cells to divide indefinitely. How this happens is being probed by chemical, protein and molecular approaches.
  • Cancer Research (Roger Reddel) - Cancers that do not use telomerase use ALT to become immortalised. Our team discovered this alternative mechanism of cancer progression and is analysing the mechanisms underlying its function in order to develop new treatments for cancer.
  • Cell Signalling (Phil Robinson) - The molecular mechanisms of nerve communication at the synapse are being determined by proteomics, protein chemistry, molecular biology and cell biology approaches.
  • Cell division (Megan Chircop) - Unregulated cell divisions can contribute to the initiation/progression of cancer. Our group focuses on understanding the molecular mechanisms driving the progression through the cell cycle with particular emphasis on the centrosomes and mitosis. Several proteins that function during the cell cycle are being targeted for the development of new chemotherapeutic cancer drugs.

Applications are evaluated in a highly competitive process involving selection and interview by a Scholarship Committee. Successful applicants will be awarded a CMRI scholarship, which has a value greater than that of the Australian Postgraduate Award or NHMRC Postgraduate scholarships. Successful applicants will also be expected to apply for external scholarships with support from research unit leaders at the CMRI.

Your application (quoting PV11/11) should include:

  • A completed application form, available from the CMRI website;
  • A copy of academic transcripts showing subjects and grades. Applications will not be considered in the absence of academic transcripts;
  • Evidence of Australian or New Zealand citizenship, or Australian permanent residency.

Please convert all documents to Adobe PDF and email as a single PDF file to , with PV11/11 in the subject line of the email.

Applications close Friday 19 August 2011

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Summer Research Scholarships

The University of Sydney Medical School is offering up to 60 Summer Research Scholarships (40 for new scholars and 20 for returning scholars) between November 2011 and February 2012.Offers will be based on the strength of the application and the level of supervision offered by the project.

Successful candidates will be expected to participate in an ongoing research project and will be required to give an oral presentation and submit a written report of their research at the end of the scholarship.

Scholarships are open to students currently enrolled full-time in an undergraduate science, medical or equivalent physical or natural science degree in any university. Students currently enrolled in Sydney Medical Program can also apply. Students currently in a Masters or PhD program, or who have been awarded a Masters or PhD degree are ineligible to apply.

To apply for a Summer Research Scholarship, interested students should review the proposed projects and determine which ones they would like to apply for. On the application form you can nominate two (2) project preferences and if you wish you can ask to be considered for other projects if you are not successful in your first two choices.

Application Form – Opens mid-August 2011
Academic Referees Report
General Information for 2011/2012 scheme

Applicants should send one (1) electronic copy including:

  • A completed Application Form
  • A one page cover letter outlining your reasons for applying and your interests in research
  • Your academic record (including certified academic transcript for current degree)
  • Your CV (A summary of your work experience and other relevant activities)
  • A one page academic reference, using the available template, supporting your application. This should be sent separately by your referee

Completed applications should be emailed to:

Please direct any queries to:
Christine Anderson
Research Support Officer
Office of Research and Research Training
Sydney Medical School
Room 220
Edward Ford Building (A27)
University of Sydney NSW 2006
Phone: +61 2 9114 0801
Email:
Website: http://sydney.edu.au/medicine/research/srs/index.php

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