Lung Fibrosis Uncovered: From Cells to Treatments

About the Project

Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is a severe and progressive lung disease characterised by excessive scarring, tissue stiffening, and respiratory failure. Current treatments only slow progression, highlighting the urgent need to uncover the mechanisms that drive fibrosis and to develop more effective therapeutic strategies. Our research group investigates how normal tissue repair becomes dysregulated, leading to chronic fibrosis and lung failure.

The successful PhD candidate will join a research team to undertake a project that aims to

1. Determine how interactions between structural cells and immune cells regulate the initiation and progression of lung fibrosis.
2. Identify key molecular pathways driving lung fibrosis

The project will use advanced cell and molecular biology, 3D lung tissue models, and in vivo fibrosis models. This work will generate critical insights into the biology of fibrosis and identify potential therapeutic targets with strong translational potential. The PhD candidate will receive comprehensive training in experimental design, molecular techniques, and high-dimensional data analysis.

Selection Criteria

Essential

1. A First Class Honours degree or a Master’s degree (with a research component) in biomedical science, molecular biology, immunology, physiology, lung disease research.
2. Demonstrated research experience in a laboratory setting, with practical skills supported by publications or research outputs.
3. Strong written and verbal communication skills.
4. Ability to work independently, as well as part of a research team.
5. Commitment to full-time PhD study.

Desirable

1. Experience with advanced techniques such as immunostaining, flow cytometry RNA sequencing, imaging, or animal models.
2. Understanding of respiratory biology, tissue repair, or fibrosis.
3. Evidence of research outputs (e.g., publications, conference presentations, or thesis work).
4. Skills in data analysis and statistics.Interest in translational research and working with clinicians or industry partners.

Eligibilty

Applicants can be both International or domestic students - either Australian permanent residents or New Zealand citizens. To be eligible for this application, applicants must have completed a UTS recognised degree in

• MSc Research or MSc Coursework with a research thesis of at least 6 months,
• or Bachelor Honours degree with 1st Class, or 2nd Class Division 1, or division 1 honours, or an equivalent or higher qualification,
• or submitted other evidence of general and professional qualifications that demonstrates potential to pursue graduate research studies.

International students

Visa requirement: To obtain a student visa to study in Australia, international students must enrol full time and on campus. Australian student visa regulations also require international students studying on student visas to complete the course within the standard full-time duration. Students need to apply for english tests as well.

Required

Applicants should send their CV and list of publications to contact person’s email address by the closing date. The application process is currently open and will continue to be open until all positions have been filled. We highly encourage interested candidates to apply as soon as possible. Shortlisted candidates will be advised with further details.

For further Information on application essentials please visit UTS Graduate Research applications.

Funding Notes

39k/year for 3.5 years