Understanding and targeting metabolic vulnerabilities to treat glioblastoma

About this project

Investigate treatment options for brain cancer

If you are seeking to build a career in the health and Biomedical research and are concerned about the survival rate of patients with glioblastoma (GBM), the University of South Australia – Australia’s University of Enterprise – is offering a hands-on project-based PhD Research within the Centre for Cancer Biology (CCB).. 

Glioblastoma (GBM) is an aggressive type of brain cancer with a very low survival (11-15 months) despite intensive therapeutic regimen consisting of surgery, radiotherapy, and chemotherapy. GBM has been untreatable, because they invade into other regions of the brain, become resistant to currently available therapies and escape elimination by the immune system. 

We have identified that GBM cells produce a ‘don’t eat me’ signal known as CD47 to escape from immune cells and is particularly increased in the region where cancer cells invade into other parts of the brain, which also lacks immune cells. In-depth molecular analysis of the CD47-depleted cancer cells helped us to unravel altered metabolic pathways as additional vulnerabilities of GBM. 

This project will investigate the molecular signalling mechanisms that drive CD47-dependent GBM tumourigenesis using unique mouse models and patient-derived cell lines. We will also combine proteomics and metabolomics to investigate how CD47 regulates metabolism in GBM cells and identify targetable metabolic vulnerabilities. This knowledge will enable development of potential therapeutic strategies to treat GBM.

What you’ll do

You will carry out all aspects of the research work, including project planning, performing experiments, data analysis, data presentation and preparation of manuscripts for publications. You are expected to review literature and other sources of scientific information, participate in project planning meetings, develop new ideas and provide new research directions. 

Further, you will assist in laboratory management, preparing biosafety and ethics applications and comply to the safe and ethical working environment. You will also contribute to the dissemination of new knowledge by drafting abstracts and scientific papers, presenting at meetings, seminars, and scientific conferences. Some travel will be involved for presenting at scientific conferences.

Where you’ll be based 

You’ll be based at the Centre for Cancer Biology (CCB) on UniSA’s City West campus. CCB is a medical research institute which carries out a world-class program of innovative research, making breakthrough discoveries in the fundamental causes of cancer, and translating these discoveries into new ways to prevent and treat this group of diseases. 

The CCB is an alliance between SA Pathology and the University of South Australia and boasts the largest concentration of cancer research in South Australia, currently hosting 22 full-time research group leaders and their teams. 

CCB laboratories carry out research in leukaemia, breast cancer, prostate cancer, skin cancer, brain cancer and colon cancer, focussing in the specialised areas of gene regulation, molecular signalling, translational oncology and cancer genomics. In addition to these laboratories, our ACRF cancer Genomics Facility is providing access to state-of-the-art genomics research equipment, computing technology and bioinformatics expertise to Adelaide BioMed Precinct and the wider research community. 

Translation of new discoveries into clinical practice is strengthened by the co-localisation of the laboratories within a single Institute, as well as its proximity and close collaboration with the Royal Adelaide Hospital, the University of South Australia, the University of Adelaide and SAHMRI. 

The CCB also has alliances with leading pharmaceutical companies to rapidly exploit new discoveries. The Institute aims to be a hub of internationally recognized cancer research excellence, achieving tangible outcomes for cancer patients. 

The CCB is a member of the Association of Australian Medical Research Institutes (AAMRI). Financial Support 

This project is funded for reasonable research expenses. Additionally, a living allowance scholarship of $35,200 per annum is available to Australian and New Zealand citizens, and permanent residents of Australia, including permanent humanitarian visa holders. Australian Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander applicants will be eligible to receive an increased stipend rate of $52,352 per annum (2025 rate). A fee-offset or waiver for the standard term of the program is also included. For full terms and benefits of the scholarship please refer to our scholarship information for domestic students or international students.

Eligibility and Selection

This project is open to applications from both Domestic and International applicants.

Applicants must meet the eligibility criteria for entrance into a PhD. 

Additionally, applicants must meet the project selection criteria: 

• A Masters or Honours degree in biological sciences and a demonstrated record of achievement in a discipline area directly relating to the work of the Cellular stress and Immune response Laboratory. 
• Demonstrated participation and technical expertise in laboratory procedures relevant to the research project. 
• Demonstrated competency in recording, analysing and presenting research to stakeholders including the preparation of papers for high quality publications or posters for conference presentations. 
• High level oral, written and interpersonal communication skills and the ability to work both independently and collaborate effectively with others in a multi-disciplinary research environment. 
• High level organisational skills to manage competing demands and meet project timelines.

All applications that meet the eligibility and selection criteria will be considered for this project. A merit selection process will be used to determine the successful candidate.

The successful applicant is expected to study full-time and to be based at our City West campus in the heart of Adelaide. 

Essential Dates 

Applicants are expected to start in a timely fashion upon receipt of an offer. Extended deferral periods are not available. Applications close on Wednesday, 18 June, 2025.