Graduate Research School Available Projects Molecular Immunology of Malaria

Molecular Immunology of Malaria

Title of Project

Molecular Immunology of Malaria

Advisor/s

Professor Denise Doolan

College or Research Centre

Australian Institute of Tropical Health and Medicine

Summary of Project

The Australian Institute of Tropical Health and Medicine (AITHM) at James Cook University (Cairns) is a cross-disciplinary research institute spanning a range of research areas related to tropical health and medicine, including immunology, molecular biology, analytical chemistry, systems biology and bioinformatics. The scope of research encompasses basic science through to clinical translation and impact. An opportunity exists for a PhD position in the molecular immunology of malaria. The focus of this project will be to apply cutting-edge technologies to understand the molecular basis of protective immunity to malaria. It will take advantage of controlled human infection models and cross-sectional and longitudinal field studies in malaria-endemic areas, as well as rodent models, to explore the mechanisms underlying protective immunity to malaria and immune responsiveness. Using a range of interdisciplinary approaches including immune profiling, transcriptomics, proteomics, and small molecule characterization, the project aims to define the critical cells and signalling pathways required for long-term protective immunity against malaria. It is anticipated that this research will have broad application to a wide range of infectious and chronic diseases, with important implications for vaccination. For more information on scholarship details and application process see: https://www.jcu.edu.au/graduate-research-school/candidates/postgraduate-research-scholarships

Key Words

immunology; Molecular immunology; Systems biology; vaccinology; Malaria

Would suit an applicant who

Entry: Bachelor degree with Honours Class I (or equivalent via outstanding record of professional or research achievements) Experience/Background: laboratory-based experience in immunology, host-pathogen interactions, immune regulation and infectious diseases; excellent computer, communication, and organisational skills are required.

Updated: 11 Apr 2020