PhD scholarship: NIISQ Exploring mitochondrial transplantation as a therapy for neural repair

• Full-time

Employment Type: Full Time

Department ID: DVC Research - SDV

Appointment Type: Fixed Term

Company Description

The Clem Jones Centre for Neurobiology and Stem Cell Research, within the Institute for Biomedicine and Glycomics at Griffith University is headed by Professor James St John. The Centre is a large multi-disciplinary group including neuroscientists, cell biologists, molecular biologists, bioengineers and surgeons. We combine discovery and translational research to optimise and accelerate the delivery of therapeutic outcomes for people with severe disability. Our Centre engages extensively with the community to shape our research and to create solutions that have a clear path to market.

This PhD project will be primarily based at the Brisbane South (Nathan). 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. Supervisors for the project will be Dr Mariyam Murtaza, Dr Ronak Reshamwala and Professor James St John.

Job Description

The NIISQ PhD scholarship is a prestigious scholarship supported by the National Injury Insurance Scheme Queensland and is part of a large program of research to develop treatment options for treating traumatic brain injury (TBI).

We are looking for a highly motivated PhD candidate to investigate mitochondrial transplantation as a potential therapeutic for traumatic brain injury.

The position is part of the Cure Traumatic Brain Injury project which focuses on identifying and testing therapeutic cellular and subcellular products suitable for translation to the clinic. The team has the ambitious aim of driving products into clinical trial within five years.

The primary focus of this PhD position is to i) isolate and characterise mitochondria from neural cells ii) explore differences in uptake of mitochondria by neurons and glia iii) develop biomaterial-based delivery of mitochondria to TBI models and study mechanisms of neural repair.

Success in this role requires i) an innovative, entrepreneurial attitude with a passion to deliver products to market, (ii) a focus on consumer involvement, (iii) ability to work with clinicians, (iv) aptitude to work both autonomously and co-operatively within a large team, (v) drive and imagination to contribute to science.

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, a scientific background in neuroscience and cell biology is desirable. You will have evidence of a passion for conducting basic and translational research, with a strong desire to undertake research in neural repair.

• Expressions of interest are welcome from domestic applicants, and from international applicants who have a reasonable expectation of being able to obtain a student visa for study in Australia.
• Applicants must have completed, or expect to complete, a bachelors degree with honours equivalent to Second class (2A) honours or a Masters degree 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. For further information on the eligibility requirements for the program refer here.
• Applicants are expected to commence in 2027.

Additional Information

About the scholarship

The NIISQ scholarship has an annual stipend of $50,000 for a period of up to three years of full-time study.

What Griffith offers

As a scholarship holder, you will study with a University that ranks among the top 2% worldwide and spans across campuses 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 Dr Mariyam Murtaza at m.murtaza@griffith.edu.au, 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
• A curriculum vitae (CV)
• Names of two referees

Closing date for expressions of interest is: Friday the 3rd of July 2026 5pm AEST

The preferred applicant will then be invited to apply for the program and scholarship on-line

For project related enquiries please contact:

Dr Mariyam Murtaza

Email: m.murtaza@griffith.edu.au

For administration enquiries please contact:

Griffith Graduate Research School

Email: grs-apply@griffith.edu.au