Australian Technology Network - Latin America PhD Scholarships in Cancer Systems Biology

Queensland University of Technology
Institute of Health and Biomedical Innovation
Australia Queensland Brisbane
www.qut.edu.au/study/fees-and-scholarships/scholarships/australian-technology-network-south-american-scholarships

Description

Looking for highly motivated bioinformatics students interested in pursuing their PhDs through ATN-LATAM Research Scholarships. The candidate will be supervised by Dr Shivashankar Nagaraj and based at Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane.

Eligibility and Selection criteria
1. Be able to commence studies in 2018.
2. Be a citizen of one of the following countries:
Brazil
Argentina
Chile
Colombia
Peru
Ecuador
Paraguay
Uruguay.

Successful applicants will receive:
1. Full research tuition fees scholarship for 3 years with possible extension to 3.5 years
2. Stipend valued at a minimum of AUD 30,000 pa for 3 years with possible extension to 3.5 years
3. Contribution to removal costs to Australia
4. Health insurance

Research Project
Modeling circulating tumor DNA in blood as a time series model for early prediction or recurrence of cancer

The DNA released into the circulatory system due to the death of a tumor cell is called as circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA). ctDNA is emerging as a promising noninvasive biomarker for cancers such as breast, colorectal, and lung, as these fragments of DNA carry the genetic mutations specific to the tumors. With the revolutionary sequencing technologies, it is now possible to periodically monitor and analyse the ctDNA through liquid biopsy of the blood. Screening the blood regularly provides the opportunities to diagnose cancer in its early stage as well as get real-time insights on tumor burden, cancer evolution, drug response, and recurrence. However, utilizing such diagnostics in a clinical setting to predict and guide therapy necessitates accurate and robust computational modeling of the ctDNA data. In this PhD project, we will develop a machine learning based software to model ctDNA as a time series model that can be used by clinicians to detect the presence of cancer.


Qualifications

An ideal candidate will have a Master’s degree in bioinformatics, computer science, science, engineering or biology with the demonstrated aptitude for bioinformatics research. Strong and demonstrated programming skills in at least one language (e.g., R, Python, Perl, Java) are essential. Previous experience in analysis of NGS data or mass-spectrometry data is highly desirable. Working knowledge of web programming and experience with the Unix operating system is also strongly desired.


Start date

June 01, 2018

How to Apply

Please send Cover Letter, your CV, the copy of the academic transcripts, and a one-paragraph statement of research interests to Shivashankar Nagaraj.


Contact

Dr Shivashankar Nagaraj
shiv.nagaraj@qut.edu.au