PhD Scholarship: Development and validation of novel biomarkers for musculoskeletal health

The Saliva and Liquid Biopsy Group is dedicated to advancing biomarker discovery for metabolic diseases and cancer, with the goal of improving precision health. As a key partner in the ARC Research Hub for Molecular Biosensors at Point-of-Use (MOBIUS), our research focuses on identifying and validating biomarkers and the development of biosensors.

The successful PhD applicant will be based at the Institute for Biomedicine and Glycomics (IBG), based at Brisbane South (Nathan) campus of Griffith University and will work within a collaborative and interdisciplinary environment alongside the Australian Shoulder Research Institute. As Griffith is a multi-site University you may be required to work across other locations. Griffith University's 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 is part of the ARC Research Hub for Molecular Biosensors at Point-of-Use (MOBIUS). The successful applicant will focus on the development and validation of novel biomarkers for musculoskeletal health, primarily based at Griffith University (Nathan) and the Australian Shoulder Research Institute (ASRI).

Project Highlights:

• Focus on non-invasive detection methods and point-of-use biosensors.
• Partner with the Australian Shoulder Research Institute to develop cutting-edge tools for biomarker discovery.
• Opportunity to work at the intersection of translational medicine, proteomics, and involving extensive protein and RNA work.

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 end users.
• Technical proficiency or interest in running protein and RNA assays.
• Have a valid Australian Drivers license.
• 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 personalised biomarking, paving the way for precision health.
• Expressions of interest are welcome from domestic and international applicants.
• Applicants must have completed, or expect to complete, a Bachelor degree with Honours equivalent to first class Honours or a Master's 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. 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:

• A minimum overall band score of 6.5 on the IELTS (Academic) with no band score less than 6.0 OR
• A minimum score of 575 on the paper-based TOEFL including a score of no less than 5.0 on the TWE OR
• A score of 79 on the internet-based (iBT) TOEFL with no sub-score less than 19.

About the scholarship
The 2026 Griffith University Postgraduate Research Scholarship has an annual stipend of $35,656 (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 at 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 [email protected] 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
• A curriculum vitae (CV) using the Griffith CV template
• Names of two referees

Closing date for expressions of interest is: Sunday 21 June 2026, 11.59pm 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
Phone: (07) 373 53660
Email: [email protected]

For administration enquiries please contact:
Griffith Graduate Research School
Phone: (07) 3735 3817
Email: [email protected]