In partnership with UNSW, we are excited to offer a fully funded PhD position focused on developing animal-free hydrogels for organoid culture and drug screening. This multidisciplinary project integrates biochemistry and cell biology to create innovative synthetic and natural polymer hydrogels, contributing to advancements in regenerative medicine and pharmacology.

Project Overview

The PhD candidate will work on designing and developing animal-free hydrogels to support organoid culture and improve high-throughput drug screening. Traditional hydrogels rely on animal-derived components, often introducing variability and raising ethical concerns. This project aims to replace those with synthetic or natural polymers, providing a more consistent and reliable environment for organoid growth. These hydrogels will offer improved accuracy for in vitro human tissue models, creating better platforms for preclinical drug testing and reducing reliance on animal models in research.

Project Outcomes

  • Develop advanced, animal-free hydrogels for use in organoid culture and drug screening
  • Contribute to cutting-edge research that advances regenerative medicine and personalized medicine
  • Improve drug screening methods with a reliable and ethical research platform
  • Access state-of-the-art facilities and collaborate with top researchers from both academia and industry

Funding Information

PhD candidates will receive:

  • A UNSW scholarship of $37,684 per annum (2024 rate, indexed)
  • An additional top-up of $12,000 per annum
  • Combined Scholarship of $49,684 per annum

Eligibility Criteria

Applicants must:

  • Meet the UNSW PhD admission requirements
  • Be either Domestic or International candidates

Why Apply?

This is a unique opportunity to be part of a research initiative aimed at advancing hydrogel technology. The successful candidate will have the chance to collaborate with leaders in both industry and academia while making significant contributions that hold the potential to transform drug screening, personalized medicine, and tissue engineering.

How to Apply

If you have a strong background in biochemistry, cell biology, or related fields and are interested in exploring innovative solutions within hydrogel research, we encourage you to apply.

To apply, please email Prof. Kristopher Kilian or Dr. Payar Radfar. Make sure to attach your Expression of Interest, CV, and academic transcripts.

Contact us today to learn more about this opportunity!