Company Description

We are currently looking for a PhD candidate to develop chemical probes targeting the plant immune system. The primary focus of this role is to design, synthesise and evaluate cell-permeable nucleotide analogs that can activate innate immune signalling pathways in plants. These molecules can be used as tools to advance fundamental knowledge in the functioning of the plant immune system, and as starting points for development of new crop protecting strategies.

This project combines skills in organic chemistry, medicinal chemistry and structural biology. Experience in chemical biology would be an advantage.

Job Description

The research will be undertaken within Associate Professor Thomas Ve’s supportive research team at the newly formed Institute for Biomedicine and Glycomics.

The Institute for Biomedicine and Glycomics is the flagship biomedical research institute at Griffith University. It fosters a culture of excellence in a unique research environment, aiming to accelerate biomedical and biological discoveries with translational benefits to create a brighter future for all. The institute have state-of-the-art facilities for NMR, protein crystallography, interaction analysis (SPR, ITC), separation sciences (HPLC, LC-MS), organic synthesis, high throughput screening (Compounds Australia) and advanced mass spectrometry.

Associate Professor Ve’s research is supported by NHMRC and ARC funding. The research is focused on understanding how the essential metabolite NAD+ and related nucleotide products trigger nerve fibre (axon) degeneration in response to injury and disease and how they activate immune responses in plants and bacteria upon pathogen infection.

This opportunity will be primarily based at Gold Coast. As Griffith is a multi-site University you may be required to work across other locations.

Griffith University’s sites are located on the lands of the Yugarabul, Yuggera, Jagera, Turrbal, Yugambeh and Kombumerri peoples.

Qualifications

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, you will be able to communicate effectively and be able to work as part of a team. You will have evidence of a passion for biomolecular chemistry or structural biology, with a strong desire to undertake research in plant chemical biology.

• 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.

Please note:
Preferred qualifications/skills include

• Prior research experience and publications in peer-reviewed journals.
• Knowledge and experience in one or more of the following areas: medicinal chemistry, organic chemistry, structural biology, and biophysical assays for protein-ligand interactions.

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:

1. A minimum overall band score of 6.5 on the IELTS (Academic) with no band score less than 6.0 OR
2. A minimum score of 575 on the paper-based TOEFL including a score of no less than 5.0 on the TWE OR
3. A score of 79 on the internet-based (iBT) TOEFL with no sub-score less than 19

Additional Information

About the scholarship
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.

What Griffith offers
As a scholarship holder, you will study with a University that ranks among the top 2% worldwide and spans across locations 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).

EoI process
Please do not select the “APPLY” button. All expressions of interest must be submitted to [email protected] 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

Closing date for expressions of interest: Wednesday 2 April 2025 at 5pm AEST

The preferred applicant will then be invited to apply for the program and scholarship online.

For project related enquiries please contact:
Associate Professor Thomas Ve
Email: [email protected]

For administration enquiries please contact:
Griffith Graduate Research School
Email: [email protected]