PhD Global Excellence and Mobility Scholarship (GEMS 2026). Research Project: Mechanisms & Therapeutic Potential of Psychedelic Compounds in Patient-Derived Neural Models

About the Project

This project evaluates psychedelics such as 3,4-Methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA) and psilocybin in hiPSC-derived neurons/organoids using high-content imaging to quantify synaptic plasticity, connectivity, and signalling changes. Dose/time-course paradigms and cellular safety flags are defined in vitro under controlled-substance compliance. AI insights from Project 2 guide regimen selection and response stratification. Outputs include response biomarkers, candidate dosing windows, and translational feasibility assessed with Cytonex. Work remains preclinical, focusing on human-relevant cellular mechanisms to de-risk future pilot clinical trials. Together with Projects 1–2, it completes the pipeline from mechanism discovery to therapy hypothesis testing in ethnically diverse models.

This project is part of Monash University Malaysia’s Graduate Research Thematic Cluster, MAP-Neuro: Diverse hiPSC Models, AI Analytics & Mechanism-Guided Therapeutics

The ideal PhD candidate will have a strong background in neuroscience, stem cell biology, or bioinformatics, with hands-on experience in cell culture, molecular techniques, or imaging. They should be keen to learn integrative analysis of genomics and proteomics data and motivated to explore the biological mechanisms underlying neurodevelopmental disorders such as schizophrenia and autism. As the project bridges wet-lab and computational research across Malaysia and Australia, the applicant should demonstrate curiosity, analytical thinking, and teamwork skills. A passion for advancing human-relevant, equitable mental health research is essential. Degrees in neuroscience, biotechnology, biomedical science, or bioinformatics are preferred.

For enquiries, please contact Assoc. Professor Anne Yee

For more information about this project, please visit our GEMS website.

How to Apply

It is suggested that you first contact the main supervisor and provide them with your academic background and achievements to determine whether you are a 'fit' for this research topic.

If you feel you are a good fit, submit your application here and ensure that you enter the same GEMS research topic as advertised on this webpage. To review the application requirements, please refer to our application submission guide. When submitting your application, please select the Global Excellence and Mobility Scholarship (GEMS). More information about GEMS is available here.

Funding Notes

The Global Excellence and Mobility Scholarship (GEMS), funded by Monash University Malaysia, features regional mobility and is awarded to highly qualified students seeking to work on projects of regional and global relevance.

Recipients of GEMS will be funded for an immersive year in either Monash University Australia, Monash University Indonesia, or the Indian Institute of Technology Bombay of up to 9 months and have access to Monash University’s global network of research expertise and infrastructure during their candidature period.

Eligibility

To be eligible for GEMS, you must possess a minimum academic qualification of First Class Honours (H1) or its equivalence (H1E) recognised by Monash University Malaysia and satisfy the English language requirements.