Job Information
Organisation/Company: University of Queensland Department: School of Chemical Engineering Research Field: Biological sciences » Biological engineering Engineering » Biomedical engineering Researcher Profile: First Stage Researcher (R1) Positions: PhD Positions Application Deadline: 9 Sep 2026 - 00:00 (Australia/Brisbane) Country: Australia Type of Contract: Temporary Job Status: Full-time Is the job funded through the EU Research Framework Programme? Not funded by a EU programme Is the Job…
related to staff position within a Research Infrastructure? No
Offer Description
Project description
Mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) are the most widely trialled cell therapy in history, yet few are approved for chronic inflammatory disease.
One reason is that their anti-inflammatory strength varies unpredictably from batch to batch. A dose that helps one patient may do little for the next.
This project asks whether rewiring the cells' metabolism can make that effect consistent. The work has three parts:
- Engineering: use CRISPR tools that switch genes on and off, locking human MSCs into defined metabolic states.
- Characterisation: measure what each state does to the cells, combining metabolic profiling with checks on cell identity and quality.
- Immune function: test how each state changes the way the cells calm an immune response, using T cell assays and the anti-inflammatory signals the cells release.
You do not need experience in all three. If the project interests you but you are unsure whether your background fits, email me before you apply.
Research environment
This project is based at UQ's St Lucia campus in the School of Chemical Engineering, working at the interface of cell engineering, metabolism and immunology.
You will have access to a strong suite of platforms across UQ, including primary cell culture and molecular biology facilities.
You will be supervised by a team spanning the disciplines the project draws on, combining cell and metabolic engineering with cell-therapy expertise, and supported by specialists in extracellular vesicles and MSC immunomodulation.
You will be embedded in an active program on engineered cell therapies, with links to Australia's cell and gene therapy sector.
Scholarship
This project is supported by the Research project scholarship.
This scholarship includes:
- living stipend of $39,220 per annum tax free (2026 rate), indexed annually
- tuition fees covered.
Learn more about the Research project scholarship.
Supervisor team
Principal supervisor: Dr Mauro Torres - School of Chemical Engineering - View Dr Mauro Torres's profile
Associate supervisor: Professor Justin Cooper-White - School of Chemical Engineering - View Professor Justin Cooper-White's profile
Preferred educational background
Your application will be assessed on a competitive basis.
We take into account your:
- previous academic record
- publication record
- honours and awards
- employment history.
A working knowledge of primary tissue culture, molecular biology (DNA cloning, qPCR, Western blot), flow citometry, cytokine assays, and/or immunoprofiling would be of benefit to someone working on this project.
You will demonstrate academic achievement in the fields of biomedical sciences, cell or molecular biology, immunology, biomedical or biochemical engineering, or a closely related discipline and the potential for scholastic success.
A background or knowledge of CRISPR gene editing, cell metabolism, flow cytometry, or immunological assays is highly desirable.
How to apply
You must submit an expression of interest (EOI) by 9 September, 2026.
Before you apply
- Check your eligibility for the Doctor of Philosophy (PhD).
- Prepare your documentation.
- If you have any questions about whether the project is suitable for your research interests, contact Dr Mauro Torres (mauro.torres@uq.edu.au).
When you apply
To apply, submit an expression of interest (EOI) for the program. You don't need to apply separately for the project or scholarship. How to submit an EOI
In your EOI, complete the ‘Scholarship/Sponsorship’ section with the following details:
- Are you applying for an advertised project: 'Yes'
- Project: 'Research project scholarship'
- Scholarship Code Listed in the Advertisement: STROMAL-TORRES
- Link to Scholarship Advertisement: https://study.uq.edu.au/study-options/phd-mphil-professional-doctorate/projects/engineering-mesenchymal-stromal-cell-metabolism-reliable-cell-therapies
Where to apply
Requirements
Research Field: Biological sciences » Biological engineering
Education Level: Master Degree or equivalent
Research Field: Engineering » Biomedical engineering
Education Level: Master Degree or equivalent
Research Field: Technology » Biotechnology
Education Level: Master Degree or equivalent
Skills/Qualifications
Preferred educational background
Your application will be assessed on a competitive basis.
We take into account your:
- previous academic record
- publication record
- honours and awards
- employment history.
A working knowledge of primary tissue culture, molecular biology (DNA cloning, qPCR, Western blot), flow citometry, cytokine assays, and/or immunoprofiling would be of benefit to someone working on this project.
You will demonstrate academic achievement in the fields of biomedical sciences, cell or molecular biology, immunology, biomedical or biochemical engineering, or a closely related discipline and the potential for scholastic success.
A background or knowledge of CRISPR gene editing, cell metabolism, flow cytometry, or immunological assays is highly desirable.
Specific Requirements
Specific requirements — international applicants
Academic background. You need a qualifying degree in a relevant discipline completed no more than ten years ago: a Master of Philosophy, a bachelor's degree with at least honours class IIA, or a coursework master's with a GPA of 5.65 on UQ's 7-point scale together with demonstrated research experience. Qualifications from outside Australia are assessed on their equivalence, and the standing of your institution within its own system is taken into account, not only its global ranking.
English language proficiency. These are laboratory-based projects with no clinical component, so the standard UQ requirement applies: IELTS 6.5 overall with at least 6.0 in every sub-band, or an accepted equivalent. Results from separate test sittings cannot be combined.
You may not need a test at all. If your most recent degree was taught and assessed in English and you completed it within five years of your intended commencement, you may be able to meet the requirement by deeming instead. Applicants from some countries are required to hold a current test result regardless, because of Australian visa criteria. Ask before you pay for a test.
Visa and commencement. UQ has no remote or distance HDR programme. You must study on a UQ campus in Brisbane, and you cannot commence from overseas. Student visa processing takes four to six months on average and longer for some countries, so your commencement will be set to a research quarter that allows for it — in practice, six months or more after an offer is issued. You must arrive and commence within the first fourteen days of your research quarter; time lost beforehand is not added to the end of your candidature.
Health cover. Single Overseas Student Health Cover is included in the scholarship. Cover for a partner or dependants is not, and you would need to fund that yourself as a condition of your visa.
Sanctions. Applicants who are citizens of, or resident in, a country on Australia's autonomous sanctions list require an additional compliance assessment before an offer can be made. This is a standard check, not a barrier in itself, but it adds time.
What you do not need at expression of interest stage. A complete document set, a finalised research proposal, or a test result if deeming may apply. Submit the EOI, and any gaps can be addressed before the full application. If you are unsure whether you meet these requirements, write and ask: mauro.torres@uq.edu.au
Languages: ENGLISH
Level: Excellent
Research Field: Biological sciences » Biological engineering
Technology » Biotechnology
Engineering » Biomedical engineering
Years of Research Experience: 1 - 4
Additional Information
This project is supported by the Research project scholarship.
This scholarship includes:
- living stipend of $39,220 per annum tax free (2026 rate), indexed annually
- tuition fees covered.
Learn more about the Research project scholarship.
Website for additional job details: https://study.uq.edu.au/study-options/phd-mphil-professional-doctorate/projects/engineering-mesenchymal-stromal-cell-metabolism-reliable-cell-therapies
Work Location(s)
Number of offers available: 1
Company/Institute: School of Chemical Engineering
Country: Australia
Contact
State/Province: Queensland
City: Brisbane
Website: https://www.uq.edu.au/
Street: St Lucia Campus (Head Office): St Lucia, Brisbane QLD 4072
Postal Code: 4072
E-Mail: mauro.torres@uq.edu.au
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