Research Degree Opportunity: Investigate the Role of Bacterial Membrane Vesicles in Alzheimer’s Disease Causation
We have been awarded an NHMRC Ideas grant to define how pathogenic bacterial membrane vesicles (BMVs) impact neurodegenerative processes in Alzheimer's disease. We have previously shown that purified membrane vesicles from oral bacteria enter the murine brain from the bloodstream and cause Alzheimer’s disease-like pathology.
This funding will enable examination of the neural cellular response to BMVs in greater detail, both in vitro and in vivo, and has scope for 2 PhD candidates with backgrounds in Science or Biomedical Sciences, to join our dynamic multidisciplinary team as we investigate the role of BMVs in Alzheimer’s disease causation.
The PhD candidates will be trained in an array of techniques including cell culture of neural cells, growth of anaerobic bacteria, isolation of BMVs, extraction and handling of nucleic acids, real time PCR, mouse models of disease, immunohistochemistry, immunofluorescence, microscopy image analysis, biostatistics, research management, oral presentation and scientific writing skills.
As a PhD student, you will be encouraged to direct your own research and supported to publish manuscripts and attend conferences.
If you are interested, please contact A/Prof Catherine Butler or Dr Joe Ciccotosto for further information. In your email, please include a copy of your CV and academic transcripts.
International student applicants must be eligible to apply for a student visa to study in Australia. Project will fund the cost of laboratory consumables.
Start Date: negotiable.