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A postgraduate research opportunity at the University of Otago.

Details

Close date
No date set
Academic background
Health Sciences, Sciences
Host campus
Dunedin
Qualification
Master's, PhD, Honours
Department
Pathology and Biomedical Science (Christchurch)
Supervisor
Associate Professor Logan Walker, Dr Vanessa Lau, Dr George Wiggins, Professor Bridget Robinson

Overview

Candidates for PhD, Masters and Honours are being recruited to join the Mackenzie Cancer Research Group, University of Otago, Christchurch. Our group has close working relationships with cancer clinicians at nationally and internationally, making our research highly translational.

Genetic health is an exciting and critical research area that is developing at a rapid pace. Over the years we have observed the emergence of cheaper and more powerful DNA-based technologies that are revolutionising health care for families affected by cancer. A major challenge we now face is our ability to provide people with accurate information from the ever-increasing number of genetic tests being carried out and tailored intervention for cancer prevention. Teaming up with researchers (scientists and clinicians) here in New Zealand and from more than 40 countries globally, has allowed us to not only tackle this challenge but take a leading role internationally.

We have several potential postgraduate research projects involving the following themes:

  • Identify new genes and genetic changes involved in cancer susceptibility
  • Improve methods for interpreting the clinical significance of genetic variants
  • Investigate new risk-reducing medicines for personalised cancer prevention

We are looking for enthusiastic and highly motivated science/biomedical science students to carry out their postgraduate degree with us. Ideal candidates would have a particular interest in cancer genetics and a background in: genetics, cell biology, biochemistry or molecular biology.

PhD applicants must be eligible for admission to the PhD programme at the University of Otago.

PhD programme entry requirements

Funding notes

Whether you are a domestic or an international student, the University of Otago has a range of Doctoral Scholarships available to you.

If you are a straight A student (GPA of 8 - 'A' grade) or higher, who has completed an Honours or Master's degree with an appropriate research component from a New Zealand university then you will be considered for a University of Otago Doctoral Scholarship.

University of Otago Doctoral Scholarship

Other scholarship opportunities

Application

In the first instance, applicants should contact Associate Professor Logan Walker, Dr Vanessa Lau, Dr George Wiggins, or Professor Bridget Robinson by email to discuss a project.

Further information may be sought from suitable candidates that will include:

  • a copy of your CV
  • a copy of your academic transcript
  • a pdf copy of your research thesis

Further information

The Department of Pathology and Biomedical Science has a number of potential topics and projects on offer in the fields of biomedical science and pathology for a range of postgraduate qualifications, including PhD and BBiomedSc(Hons).

We welcome enquiries and encourage all prospective students to directly contact potential supervisors in their field of interest.

Contact

Logan Walker
Emaillogan.walker@otago.ac.nz

Useful information

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