General background
The TB-CRE is an interdisciplinary centre of research excellence funded by the National Health and Medical Research Council over 5 years. TB-CRE supports world-class research aimed to improve coordination between and strengthen existing research initiatives on public health interventions, epidemiological and basic science approaches to TB control. The next generation of tuberculosis researchers will be fostered through the national and international collaborations of the centre.
PhD scholars will work on a specific project and will participate actively in the meetings and activities of the TB-CRE and be part of a diverse and dynamic academic community with an interest in all aspects of tuberculosis control. They are encouraged to become involved in collaborative studies between CRE Investigators. There is one “full-time stipend” scholarship available.
Scholarship details
A full‐time stipend of $26,288 p.a. (tax‐exempt), equivalent to the APA stipend rates is available for up to 3 years
- -successful applicants in the full-time stipend category will be encouraged to secure additional scholarship funding and transfer to the top-up scheme ASAP
Please Note: International applicants must finance their own university fees which is approximately 39,000 AUD pa
Requirements
All applications should include:
- -1-page cover letter outlining the project title you are applying for
- -CV with academic transcripts
- -contact details of two academic referees
Successful applicants may be required to undertake a criminal record check
Closing date 8 of April 2016
PhD Positions available:
1) Biomarkers of Tuberculosis
Tuberculosis remains a major public health issue and new tests to aid diagnosis of M. tuberculosis infection and to monitor response to therapy are urgently required. This proposal builds and expands on recent findings in the group to examine the function of specific microRNA up-regulated by TB infection and to determine the biomarker potential of microRNAs to aid diagnosis of TB disease. Applicants should be highly motivated with an Honors background in immunology and/or molecular biology, interest in immunology of infectious diseases and the ability to work in a team environment.
Supervisor: Dr Bernadette Saunders
Location: Centenary Institute (University of Sydney main campus)
For more information please email: Bernadette.saunders@UTS.edu.au
Ph: (02) 9514 8311
2) Stimulating memory T cells to protect against tuberculosis
To work with Prof Warwick Britton and Dr Manuela Flórido in the Centenary Institute on how to stimulate memory T cells that protect against pulmonary tuberculosis. There is an urgent need for more effective vaccines against tuberculosis and pulmonary delivery of TB vaccines may be an effective way to protect the lung. This project will compare novel viral vaccines, recombinant Influenza A Virusesexpressing M. tuberculosis epitopes, and protein TB vaccines for their capacity to recruit and retain memory T cells in the lungs and the role of different chemokine receptors in this process. We shall examine the transcriptional and functional characteristics of the TB-specific memory T cells in the lungs and use cutting-edge imaging techniques to identify the location of the memory T cells in the lungs. Applicants should have an Honours degree in immunology or microbiology, a strong interest in the importance of vaccines in the control of infectious diseases and the ability to work in a team environment.
Supervisor: Prof. Warwick Britton
Location: Centenary Institute (University of Sydney main campus)
For more information please contact:warwick.britton@sydney.edu.au
Phone: (02) 9515 5210
3) Ethnography of patients diagnosed with latent TB
Background: Latent tuberculosis (TB) is a state defined by a clinician using a screening test (tuberculin skin testing, IGRA) and the absence of symptoms attributable to active TB disease. Evidence of exposure to TB using these methods is common in much of the world, including source countries for refugees and immigrants to Australia. The majority of individuals with latent TB do not progress to active TB, but the risk of reactivation can be decreased still further by treatment with anti-tuberculous medications. These medications are generally prescribed for six to nine months, but pose a risk of drug-induced hepatitis and other side effects. Patients adherence to the prescribed regimen is important for completion.Aim: Develop a rich description of latent TB, incorporating physical, psychological and social dimensions.Methods: Longitudinal study of patients diagnosed with latent TB, attending outpatient clinics at Southern Health. Observation of clinical interactions and in depth interviews with patients diagnosed with latent TB, the clinical staff of the clinic, and members of the patients’ immediate social network. Observations and interviews will be recorded by the student as thick descriptions with accompanying reflections and commentary. Coding and thematic analysis of field observation texts will be undertaken, using a modified grounded theory approach, with critical reflections from participants.Outcome: A rich description of latent TB as it is experienced by patients, their social network and clinical staff will be produced, providing insights for clinicians into the subjective experience of diagnosis and treatment of latent TB and their own role in the process, which can be used as a basis to improve communication and understanding of the nature and management of latent TB in this clinical setting.
Applicants should have completed an honours degree or equivalent in order to apply.
Supervisors: Dr Chris Lemoh (Monash Refugee Health and Wellbeing)
A/Prof Justin Denholm (Victorian Tuberculosis Program)
A/Prof Andrea Whittaker (Department of Anthropology, Monash University)
Location:Monash Health (Monash Infectious Diseases Unit and Monash Refugee Health and Wellbeing Service) Melbourne
For more information please contact: justin.denholm@mh.org.au
Phone: (03) 9342 9428
4) Analysing the burden of Tuberculosis and MDR – TB in the adolescent population
Historical data demonstrate that TB epidemics typically develop and resolve over long time scales, giving rise to complex age-related changes in TB morbidity and mortality throughout the life of any given generation. Of particular note is a consistent and dramatic increase in the risk of TB morbidity and mortality during adolescence, leading into young adulthood. This suggests that adolescence may be a key period for preventative interventions for TB, and that improved TB prevention in this age group might have substantial implications for the course of the TB epidemic during their lifetimes. Despite that adolescents are recognised as a particular risk group for developing TB, and often infectious TB, following infection, there is a remarkable knowledge gap on the burden of TB in adolescents in TB endemic countries. This is partly due to the age current age brackets for reporting (5-14 years and 15-24 years) to WHO that do not allow separate estimates for adolescents (10-19 years).
Mathematical modelling is increasingly used to predict the future course of the global TB epidemic, as well as setting-specific epidemics. However current models are not parameterised to account for the significant impact of age on TB risk, as and such, they may not provide accurate estimates of the impact of interventions aimed at adolescents and young adults. The current generation of young people will be key to achieving the WHO's goal of eliminating TB as a public health problem by 2050, by which time today's adolescents will be in middle age. The ambitious global End TB Strategy, which is also enshrined in the UN’s sustainable development goals, has included a focus on preventative strategies for TB control to a much greater extent than previously.
The successful candidate will parameterise existing models of TB transmission in endemic settings to deal with the effects of age, and thereby to provide accurate estimates of the potential impact of preventative interventions aimed at the current generation of young people, with a particular focus on novel vaccines targeted at young adolescents and on the potential of preventive therapy for adolescents with LTBI on reducing the usual peak prevalence in later adulthood. There will also be an evaluation of the burden of MDR TB in adolescents.
Applicants should havecompleted an honours degree or equivalent in order to apply.
Supervisors: Prof. Stephen Graham, A/Prof. Justin Denholm, Prof.Susan Sawyer
Location: University of Melbourne & Royal Children’s Hospital Melbourne
For more information please contact: Steve.Graham@rch.org.au
Phone: (03) 9345 4788
Applications
Applications should include a letter specifying the position of interest and relevant experience along with a CV and the names of three referees. This should be made on line to Dr Gabriella Scandurra, Executive Officer, TB-CRE at g.scandurra@centenary.org.au