Phd Student

Role Type: Full time or part time PhD candidature Salary: $37,000 per annum (pro rata if part time)

The opportunity:

We have an exciting opportunity for a highly motivated student interested in personalised medicine and pharmacogenomics to undertake a PhD program jointly funded and conducted between MCRI (A/Prof Rachel Conyers) and Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre (Dr Marliese Alexander). 

This could be a part-time or full-time PhD candidature over 3.5 years.

Within MCRI you will join the Cancer Therapies group within the MCRI Stem Cell Medicine Theme. Our Group focuses on cancer therapeutics and adverse drug reactions, with a particular desire to address prediction of and protection against adverse drug reactions and prioritisation of evidence-based medicines.

Within Peter Mac you will join the Pharmacy Research group affiliated with the Sir Peter MacCallum Department of Oncology. Our group aims to optimise medication-related outcomes through the quality use of medicines in cancer care and includes clinical, health services and discovery research streams.

Project Description:

Pharmacogenomics is a highly interesting arm of personalised medicine. Pharmacogenomics, often shortened to PGx, is a field of medicine that studies how a person's genes affect their response to medication. The cytochrome P450 genes, often abbreviated as CYP genes, are a large and important family of genes that code for enzymes called cytochrome P450 (P450s) which play a crucial role in the metabolism of many medications, including cancer and supportive care therapies. The pharmacogenes are well described and different variants can increase or decrease metabolism in any individual. However, inflammation, medications and disease can all influence the actual activity of these enzymes such that there is a difference between pharmacogene genotype and phenotype – a process known as phenoconversion.

This PhD is to undertake a feasibility followed by prospective trial “PEGASUS” investigating the Change in Metabolism Phenotype in Paediatric, Adolescent & Young Adults With Hodgkin or Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma. PEGASUS aims to test acceptability and feasibility of studying phenoconversion (the change in metabolism phenotype) us paediatric oncology patient population. The study will be conducted in patients (6-25 years of age) with Hodgkin lymphoma exemplar cohort, but with the understanding that cancer-directed and supportive care medicines of the CYP3A4, CYP2C1 pathways are commonly utilised for the treatment of many paediatric, adolescent, young adult, and adult cancers. The study involves administration of the probe medication at timepoints which align with pre-determined hospital visits for subsequent blood draws to measure the metabolism of the probe medications. The acceptability and feasibility of this study will inform the prospective PEGASUS trial within the paediatric cancer population.

Your responsibilities include:  

• Performs cell culture experiments using pluripotent stem cells 
• Performs genetic modification of pluripotent stem cells 
• Performs and supports phenotypic drug screens 
• Assists in the preparation of samples for downstream application 
• Works to support the smooth running of the Laboratory 
• Assists with organisation of stocks and reagents 
• Conducts ethical research at the highest level of integrity and in line with the Australian Code for Responsible Conduct of Research and MCRI/Peter Mac policies 
• Assists and contributes to data generation for research and publications 
• Works to improve skills base in research productivity and methodology 
• Assists in high calibre, competitive research 
• Follows standard operating procedures, study protocols and study guidelines 
• Continuous maintenance of neat and orderly records, electronic lab books and data storage 
• Fosters relationships with key internal and external stakeholders  
• Is engaged in the campus culture including professional development activities and attending internal/external campus conferences and seminars 
• Is aware of, and adheres to, MCRI policy on Intellectual Property/Material Transfer Agreements/Contracts/Clinical and Public Health Outcomes 

What we need from you:
 

• Acceptance at University of Melbourne
• Appropriate qualification/s in Science, Pharmacy or related discipline
• Appropriate level of expertise gained from a combination of experience, training or professional accreditation
• Demonstrated capacity to work independently and collaboratively in a team environment
• Excellent time management, organisational and analytical problem-solving skills
• Interest in pursuing a higher degree and track record consistent with University of Melbourne entry criteria including successful application to University of Melbourne for PhD candidature
• Demonstrated basic understanding of pharmacogenomics and pharmacology
• Prior research involvement and desirable to have experience in clinical trials
• Good Clinical Practice [GCP] accreditation
• Ability to work as part of a broad team, with excellent communication skills and a team-player

Who we are

Murdoch Children’s Research Institute envisions a transformative future for child health. Our institute is a hub of impactful scientific breakthroughs, particularly in early interventions, enhanced diagnosis, prevention, and potential cures. We thrive on collaborative, multidisciplinary problem-solving to address challenging queries in child health. Committed to inclusivity and respect, we foster a positive working environment that values diverse backgrounds and experiences. As a proud member of the Australian Network on Disability and a dedicated supporter of Science Australia Gender Equity (SAGE), we uphold principles of equal opportunity and diverse representation.
 

Join us!

We welcome individuals of diverse genders, ages, ethnicities, cultural backgrounds, abilities, religions, and sexual orientations in our workplace. We actively encourage talented individuals from all walks of life to apply for our job openings. Our commitment lies in fostering a workplace that is barrier-free and inclusive, aiming to attract the most skilled candidates.

If you feel this role is right for you, please apply with a copy of your resume and cover letter addressing what we need from you.
 

For any questions related to the recruitment process, feel free to reach out to our Recruitment team at ***********@mcri.edu.au. Ensure that you include the position number and job title in the subject line. Please refrain from sharing your application to this email address.

Please note, we reserve the right to close the vacancy prior to the closing date once a sufficient number of applications have been received.

Applications close: Friday 7th June 2024 AUS Eastern Daylight time