PhD Scholarship: Unlocking mechanobiological events via microfluidic approaches

Company Description

This project will be jointly undertaken within two Griffith University research teams: the Biorheology Research Laboratory, led by Professor Michael Simmonds, and the Glycomics & Glycoproteomics in Cancer and Evolution Research Group, led by Professor Daniel Kolarich, and the Heart Foundation Research Centre led by Associate Professor Jason Peart.

This is a truly transdisciplinary research project supported by a combined group at the forefront blood mechanobiology, aligning researchers with extensive experience in advanced mass spectrometry, microfluidics, biophysics and physiology.

Through interdisciplinary collaboration, the team is actively exploring cellular and subcellular responses of blood to mechanical force. Special interests of our team include evaluating the intricate processes involved in oxygen transport and unloading in the dynamic environment of flowing blood – a surprisingly complex and poorly understood, but vital topic.

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

Job Description

We are currently looking for a highly motivated PhD candidate that is passionate about exploring the intricate world of mechanobiology. The successful candidate will contribute to a transdisciplinary research program funded by the Australian Research Council (DP , titled: "Unlocking the mechanobiological events in oxygen unloading by erythrocytes". The primary focus of this role is to use microfluidic platforms with integrated optical physics platforms to evaluate real-time oxygen release by erythrocytes during exposure to mechanical force. This project includes working alongside a transdisciplinary team focused on mechanobiology, incorporating expertise in biophysics, rheology, physiology, and multi-omics approaches. Success in this role will also lead to opportunities to contribute to projects with industry partners (e.g., medical device developers) and clinical research (e.g., cardiothoracic surgery, intensive care).

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

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 have a background in physics, biochemistry, physiology, molecular biology, mechanical engineering, or a related field. You will have evidence of a passion for pushing boundaries beyond normal disciplinary limits and revel in developing bespoke systems. You are strongly motivated to conduct research that is rooted in excellent fundamentals, but care that your work may one day contribute to real-world applications.

• 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/Second class division A 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.  For further information on the eligibility requirements for the program refer here.

Please note:

• Background or experience in microfluidics and/or biophysics, is highly desired.

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

About the scholarship

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.

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 Professor Michael Simmonds via  , 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:Wednesday 22 October 2025 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:

Professor Michael Simmonds

Phone:

Email: 

Professor Daniel Kolarich

Phone:

Email: 

Associate Professor Jason Peart

Phone:

Email: 

For administration enquiries please contact:

Griffith Graduate Research School

Email: hdr-