PhD Scholarship: Decoding Arbovirus–Host Interactions in Transmission and Pathogenesis

• Full-time
• Employment Type: Full Time
• Department ID: DVC Research - SDV
• Appointment Type: Fixed Term

Company Description

The successful candidate will join the Emerging Viruses, Inflammation and Therapeutics (EVIT) Research Group. The group has an established international reputation for studying mosquito-borne viruses, particularly alphaviruses such as chikungunya and Ross River virus, with a strong focus on virus–host interactions, immunopathogenesis, therapeutics, and vaccine development. The EVIT group integrates multidisciplinary approaches spanning molecular virology, immunology, animal models, and translational research. Its work has contributed to the development of novel vaccine strategies and therapeutic interventions for emerging viral diseases, with strong links to industry and international collaborators. The team provides a highly collaborative and supportive research environment, with access to state-of-the-art facilities and strong national and international partnerships. The candidate will have opportunities to engage in interdisciplinary projects and contribute to research with real-world impact on emerging infectious diseases.

Job Description

We are currently seeking a PhD candidate to participate in a multidisciplinary project investigating arbovirus–host interactions, with a focus on glycosylation in infection, transmission, and pathogenesis. The project will study medically important mosquito-borne alphaviruses, including Chikungunya virus (CHIKV), integrating virology, glycomics, and immunology.

The primary focus of this role is to conduct laboratory research to characterise novel interplays between viral and host. The project will also explore how glycosylation influences virus–vector interactions and identify potential antiviral targets.

This role involves collaboration with national and international partners across academia and industry, providing opportunities for translational research in vaccine and antiviral development.

This position is primarily based at Griffith University Gold Coast. As Griffith is a multi-campus University you may be required to work across other campus 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 plan and conduct research activities, as well as prepare research manuscripts and your PhD thesis. You will have evidence of a passion for research in life science, with a strong desire to undertake research in virology and immunology.

• Expressions of interest are welcome from domestic and international applicants.
• Applicants must have completed a Bachelor’s degree with honours equivalent to first-class honours, or a Master’s 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 Schedule One of the HDR Scholarship Policy. For further information on the eligibility requirements for the program, refer here.

Please note: Desired- Successful applicants must have at least two of the following knowledge or research experience: immunology, virology, molecular biology, and animal disease model.

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 evit@griffith.edu.au containing:

• Statement addressing your suitability for the project/scholarship
• Evidence that you have completed a program with the required grades as detailed in the ‘About you’ section
• A curriculum vitae (CV)
• Names and contact details of two referees

Closing date for expressions of interest is: Tuesday 30 June 2026 at 5pm AEST

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

For project related enquiries please contact:

Dr Xiang Liu

Email: x.liu@griffith.edu.au

For administration enquiries please contact:

Griffith Graduate Research School

Email: graduateschool@griffith.edu.au

Job Location