PhD Scholarship: Validate novel salivary biomarkers for the early detection of liver fibrosis

The Saliva and Liquid Biopsy Group is dedicated to advancing biomarker discovery for metabolic diseases and cancer, with the goal of improving precision health. Our research focuses on identifying and validating biomarkers that enable more accurate patient stratification based on disease risk, prognosis, and treatment response.

The successful PhD applicant will be based at the Institute for Biomedicine and Glycomics (IBG), Griffith University, Brisbane South (Nathan) and will work within a collaborative and interdisciplinary environment. As Griffith is a multi-site University you may be required to work across other locations.

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

We are currently seeking highly motivated PhD candidates to join our research team at Griffith University. This exciting project aims to develop and validate novel salivary biomarkers for the early detection of liver fibrosis.

Highlights of working on this project include:

• Focus on non-invasive, saliva-based diagnostics for liver fibrosis.
• Integration of clinical collaboration with hospital partners and cutting-edge research in the laboratory.
• Opportunity to work at the intersection of translational medicine, proteomics, and biomarker development.

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 in this role, you should have:

• A strong academic background in Medical Laboratory Science, Pathology, Molecular Pathology, or a closely related field.
• Demonstrated research experience working at the interface with hospital laboratories and working with clinicians.
• Evidence of collaborative skills and the ability to work effectively with clinical and laboratory-based research teams.
• A clear passion for research and a commitment to advancing the field of liver fibrosis paving the way for precision health.
• Should hold a valid Australian driver's licence.
• 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 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:

Applicants must have obtained a Master’s degree or an Honours degree in relative fields. A solid background in Medical Laboratory Science, Pathology, Molecular Pathology with an interest in biomarker discovery is required. Some experience in the field of multivariate statistical analysis would be beneficial but is not required.

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

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 c.punyadeera@griffith.edu.au containing:

• Statement addressing your suitability for the project/scholarship
• Research proposal
• 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: Tuesday 29 July 2025 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 Chamindie Punyadeera
Email: c.punyadeera@griffith.edu.au

For administration enquiries please contact:
Griffith Graduate Research School
Email: hdr-scholarship@griffith.edu.au