Phd Scholarship: Fragment - based Drug Design Against Neurodegeneration

PhD Scholarship: Fragment-based Drug Design Against Neurodegeneration

The Institute for Biomedicine and Glycomics is the flagship biomedical research institute at Griffith University. It fosters a culture of excellence in a unique research environment, aiming to accelerate biomedical discovery with translational benefits to create a brighter future for all. It hosts state-of-the-art infrastructure and equipment, including the Compounds Australia facility, protein production facility, multiple NMR spectrometers, a native mass spectrometry platform, bioanalytical facilities with surface plasmon resonance and isothermal titration calorimetry, and crystallography facility.

The research will be guided by Dr. Yun Shi, who has recently secured national competitive funding from both NHMRC and ARC and published multiple high-impact papers in top journals such as Science, Molecular Cell, and Neuron.

The successful applicant will be based at Griffith University, Gold Coast. As Griffith is a multi-site University you may be required to work across other locations.

Griffith University sites are located on the lands of the Yugarabul, Yuggera, Jagera, Turrbal, Yugambeh, and Kombumerri peoples.

Job Description

We are currently looking for a PhD candidate to develop fragment-derived compounds for the treatment of neurodegeneration. The primary focus of this role is to perform fragment/compound screening and design anti-degenerative compounds based on target-fragment interactions. This project includes both experimental and computational work. Success in this role requires collaboration with structural biologists and neurobiologists.

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. You will have evidence of a passion for conducting high-impact research, with a strong desire to undertake research in drug design and discovery.

• 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 Schedule One of the HDR Scholarship Procedure.

Preferred qualifications/skills include:

• Prior research experience and publications in peer-reviewed journals.
• Knowledge and experience in one or more of the following areas: drug design, biochemistry, medicinal chemistry, organic chemistry, structural biology, computational chemistry, and neurobiology.

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 minimum score of 575 on the paper-based TOEFL including a score of no less than 5.0 on the TWE OR
3. A score of 79 on the internet-based (iBT) TOEFL with no sub-score less than 19

Additional Information

The 2025 Griffith University Postgraduate Research Scholarship has an annual stipend of $34,752 (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. Please see the GUIPRS Conditions of Award for more information.

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).

All expressions of interest must be submitted to y.shi@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, including a copy of your academic transcript
• A curriculum vitae (CV) using the Griffith CV template
• Names of two referees

Closing date for expressions of interest is: Friday 31 October 2025 5pm AEST

For project related enquiries please contact: Dr Yun Shi Phone: (07) 5552 9351 Email: y.shi@griffith.edu.au

For administration enquiries please contact: Griffith Graduate Research School Email: hdr-scholarship@griffith.edu.au