AI Integrated Design of Zwitterionic Lipids for Extrahepatic RNA Delivery
PhD Scholarship
This project aims to develop next‑generation zwitterionic ionizable lipids (ZILs) to enhance the delivery, safety, and tissue targeting of RNA therapeutics beyond the liver. The candidate will join a multidisciplinary team investigating how lipid chemistry, nanoparticle formulation, and biological interfaces together shape RNA delivery performance.
Working at the intersection of computational modelling, synthetic chemistry, and biological evaluation, the research will focus on developing new ZIL structures with optimised ionisation behaviour, membrane interactions and reduced serum binding. The project provides opportunities for training in advanced lipid design, lipid nanoparticle formulation and characterization, and RNA delivery assays, supported by NSW‑RRTN development programs.
The NSW‑RRTN is a NSW Government–supported collaborative initiative uniting 12 universities and research institutes to build research, training, and workforce capability in RNA science and technology.
By joining this project, the candidate will become part of a vibrant and expanding RNA research ecosystem in Australia, with access to networking opportunities, cross‑institutional training, and strategic capability‑building initiatives supported by the NSW RRTN.
PhD Scholarship details
Funding: Funding: $38,938 per annum (2026 rate) indexed annually. For a PhD candidate, the living allowance scholarship and tuition fee scholarship are for 3.5 years. Scholarships also include up to $1,500 relocation allowance and Overseas Student Health Cover at single rate, for an international candidate.
Supervisor: A/ Prof Roger Liang
Available to: Domestic and International students
PhD
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants should hold a Bachelor degree with Honours (Class I or II Division I) or equivalent in chemistry, biomedical science, pharmaceutical science, biotechnology, or a related field. Experience in synthetic chemistry, molecular modelling, or molecular/cellular biology is beneficial but not essential.
The applicant will need to meet the minimum eligibility criteria for admission
Application Procedure
Interested applicants should send an email expressing their interest along with scanned copies of their academic transcripts, CV, a brief statement of their research interests and a proposal that specifically links them to the research project.
Applications Close 01 January 2018 Apply Now
- Contact: A/ Prof Roger Liang
- Phone: +61 2 4985 4959
- Email: Roger.liang@newcastle.edu.au
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