PhD Scholarship: Beyond Symmetry: Unravelling glyco-modulation of the immune system

Full-time

Employment Type: Full Time

Department ID: DVC Research - SDV

Appointment Type: Fixed Term

Company Description

The project will primarily be based out of the Institute for Biomedicine and Glycomics (IBG) at the Gold Coast campus. IBG combines outstanding discovery and translational research, infrastructure, and training expertise. IBG received over $142M in research funding through the 2020-2025 period, and comprises more than 400 researchers and professional staff, including 40 Research Leaders, with eight current NHMRC Investigator Grant recipients and two current ARC Future Fellows. Our state-of-the art infrastructure and equipment, coupled with our expert scientific and operational personnel, facilitates our worldclass research. Located on the Gold Coast and Brisbane South, the Institute benefits from its proximity to and engagement with the Gold Coast Health and Knowledge Precinct and the Gold Coast University Hospital (along with other Hospital and Health Service providers), the University’s partnership in the Sanofi Translational Science Hub, and its significant scale in partnerships and alliances in Queensland, Australia and globally.

Job Description

We are currently looking for a motivated PhD candidate to study how antibody glycosylation regulates the fundamental immune response. While it is known that glycosylation is required for antibodies to induce an immune response, the immune response to each distinct glycan is unknown. The project will involve using a combination of biophysical and structural biology techniques, such as mass spectrometry, SPR and cryo-EM to systematically study how IgG glycosylation modulates the interaction with their receptors and their functional consequences. These results will improve our fundamental understanding of antibody-mediated immune responses and may lead to the development of improved therapeutic antibodies.

This opportunity will be primarily based at Gold Coast. 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.

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, you will be able to demonstrate a strong foundation in biochemistry, immunology or a related discipline, have experience with recombinant protein expression and biophysical analyses and the ability to think critically and communicate effectively. You will have evidence of a passion for understanding how post-translational modifications such as glycosylation can influence immune cell behaviour and disease outcomes, with a strong desire to undertake research in understanding the molecular mechanisms which drive these processes and apply these findings to develop better therapeutics.

• Expressions of interest are welcome from domestic and international applicants.
• Applicants must have completed, or expect to complete, a bachelors degree with honours equivalent to first class honours or a Masters degree (AQF Level 9) 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 in accordance with the Equivalent qualifications for HDR program admission. For further information on the eligibility requirements for the program refer here.

International applicants should ensure that English Language Proficiency requirements for the program are met before formally applying. Applicants to research programs will need to show they meet:

1. A minimum overall band score of 6.5 on the IELTS (Academic) with no band score less than 6.0 OR
2. A score of 79 on the internet-based (iBT) TOEFL with no sub-score less than 19 OR
3. A score of no less than 3+ in each skill of the ISLPR (conducted by ISLPR Language Services only) OR
4. A minimum overall score of 176 (no score less than 169) on C1 Advanced or C2 Proficiency OR
5. An overall score of 58 in the Pearson Test of English (Academic) with no score less than 50 (applies to tests taken prior to 7 August 2025) OR
6. An overall score of 55 in the Pearson Test of English (Academic) with no score less than 47 (applies to tests taken on or after 7 August 2025) OR
7. An overall score of 70 in the LanguageCert Academic OR
8. An overall score of 59 in the Michigan English Test (MET).

Additional Information

About the scholarship

The 2026 Griffith University Postgraduate Research Scholarship has an annual stipend of $35,656 (indexed) for a period of up to three years of full-time study. Please see the GUPRS Conditions of Award for more information.

A successful International applicant will also be awarded a Griffith University International Postgraduate Research Scholarship to cover tuition fees for up to three years full time study. Please see the GUIPRS Conditions of Award for more information.

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 Jonathan Du containing:

• Statement addressing your suitability for the project/scholarship
• Research proposal
• Evidence that you have completed a program with the required grades as detailed in the about you section
• A curriculum vitae (CV) using the Griffith CV template
• Names of two referees

Closing date for expressions of interest is: Monday 31 August 2026 11.59pm AEST

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

For project related enquiries please contact:

Dr Jonathan Du

Email: jonathan.du@griffith.edu.au

For administration enquiries please contact:

Griffith Graduate Research School

Phone: (07) 3735 3817

Email: ggrs@griffith.edu.au