PhD Scholarship Investigations of killer cells in Myalgic EncephalomyelitisChronic Fatigue Syndrome and Long COVID

Griffith Health and NCNED are looking to invest in the future of health research with higher degree by research scholarships. A PhD position is available to undertake research at the NCNED led by Professor Sonya Marshall-Gradisnik.

The primary focus of this project is to further elucidate the role of natural killer cells in the pathomechanism diagnosis and treatment of people living with ME/CFS and long COVID. This novel project will utilise high-throughput imaging automated machine learning and immunological techniques including flow cytometry to investigate cellular health function and phenotypic changes in disease.

Qualifications :

This scholarship is open to new and current domestic and international applicants. To be successful within this role you must be able to develop technical laboratory and methodology skills data analysis and scientific writing.

Applicants must have completed or expect to complete a Bachelors degree with honours (Class I) or a Masters degree (AQF Level 9) incorporating a substantial research component of a standard comparable to a Bachelor honours degree (Class I) or be regarded by Griffith University as having an equivalent level of attainment. Applicants who have completed a Bachelors degree with honours (Class IIA) or a Masters degree of a comparable standard together with research experience and/or research outputs (e.g. published research papers or been awarded research funding) will be considered. These degrees should incorporate a research component in biomedical science or related.

A competitive candidate will have knowledge of ME/CFS and Long COVID statistical software packages and laboratory techniques.

Additional Information :

About the scholarship
The successful applicant will receive a stipend of $36000 a year for up to 3 years of full-time study.

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 weve 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. Griffiths 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 as set out below:

Interested applicants should submit an expression of interest (EOI) to  containing:

• Statement addressing your suitability for the project/scholarship
• Transcript of latest degree completed that included a research component / dissertation.
• A brief CV

Closing date for expressions of interest is: Friday 27 March 2026 at 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:
Dr Natalie Eaton-Fitch 
Phone: (07) 
Email: 

For administration enquiries please contact:
Griffith Graduate Research School 
Phone: (07) 
Email: 

Remote Work :

No

Employment Type :

Full-time