From Scarring to Healing: Uncovering Mechanisms and Therapies for Pulmonary Fibrosis

About the project

About the Project Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is a devastating condition characterised by progressive lung fibrosis (scarring), leading to respiratory failure and lung tissue damage. Current therapies only slow disease progression, highlighting an urgent need for better understanding of disease mechanisms and the development of novel treatments. Our research group investigates how tissue repair processes become dysregulated to drive fibrosis and ultimately lung failure. The successful candidate will join a multidisciplinary team to undertake a PhD project that aims to: 1. Define how structural and immune cell interactions regulate lung fibrosis. 2. Identify key molecular drivers that promote extracellular matrix deposition and tissue stiffening. 3. Explore new therapeutic strategies to restore normal tissue repair and halt fibrotic progression. The project will employ cutting-edge methods including advanced cell and molecular biology, single-cell transcriptomics, 3D lung tissue models, and in vivo fibrosis models. Integration of computational analysis with experimental approaches will provide a systems-level understanding of fibrosis development. This work will deliver important insights into the fundamental biology of lung fibrosis and identify new therapeutic targets. Outcomes of the project have strong potential to inform clinical translation, with the long-term goal of improving diagnosis, treatment, and survival for patients with fibrotic lung diseases such as IPF. The PhD candidate will receive advanced training in experimental design, high-dimensional data analysis, and translational research. Opportunities will also be available for collaboration with clinicians, international research partners, and industry. This project is ideally suited to a motivated student with an interest in molecular biology, and respiratory medicine who is keen to contribute to impactful discoveries in a rapidly evolving field. Selection Criteria Essential 1. A First Class Honours degree or a Master’s degree (with a research component) in biomedical science, molecular biology, immunology, physiology, lung disease research or a related field. 2. Previous research experience in a laboratory setting with practical skills in techniques such as cell culture and molecular biology. 3. Strong written and verbal communication skills. 4. Ability to work independently, as well as part of a research team. 5. Commitment to full-time PhD study. Desirable 1. Experience with advanced techniques such as immunostaining, flow cytometry RNA sequencing, imaging, or animal models. 2. Understanding of respiratory biology, tissue repair, or fibrosis. 3. Evidence of research outputs (e.g., publications, conference presentations, or thesis work). 4. Skills in data analysis and statistics.Interest in translational research and working with clinicians or industry partners. Eligibilty Applicants can be both International or domestic students - either Australian permanent residents or New Zealand citizens. To be eligible for this application, applicants must have completed a UTS recognised degree in • MSc Research or MSc Coursework with a research thesis of at least 6 months, • or Bachelor Honours degree with 1st Class, or 2nd Class Division 1, or division 1 honours, or an equivalent or higher qualification, • or submitted other evidence of general and professional qualifications that demonstrates potential to pursue graduate research studies. International students Visa requirement: To obtain a student visa to study in Australia, international students must enrol full time and on campus. Australian student visa regulations also require international students studying on student visas to complete the course within the standard full-time duration. Students need to apply for english tests as well. Required Applicants should send their CV and list of publications to contact person’s email address by the closing date. The application process is currently open and will continue to be open until all positions have been filled . We highly encourage interested candidates to apply as soon as possible . Shortlisted candidates will be advised with further details. For further Information on application essentials please visit UTS Graduate Research applications . Not eligible for this scholarship ? We also offer a number of other fully funded scholarships, studentships and awards at university, faculty and department level to support both Domestic and Overseas students For more information, visit UTS Scholarship search tool to find out what you may be eligible for.

Research areas