The ARC-funded project “Be{e)-friendly venomous spiders” aims at discovering novel environmentally-friendly bioinsecticides from the worlds largest collection of arachnid venoms. These venoms will be screened for orally active insecticidal toxins targeting pest caterpillars and for anti-parasitic compounds that target honeybee parasites such as Varroa mites and small hive beetles.

A combination of high pressure liquid chromatography (HPLC) and mass spectrometry (MS) will be used to isolate active toxins from the venoms. A range of insect cultures will be maintained to screen candidate toxins for on- and off-target toxicity. Molecular target of candidate toxins will be identified by using patch-clamp electrophysiology on primary insect cells (DUM neurons).

We are looking for an enthusiastic PhD candidate that is not afraid to work with a range of arthropods (e.g. caterpillars, honeybees, beetles, flies, centipedes, spiders, scorpions).

For more information please contact:

Volker Herzig
A/Prof., ARC Future Fellow’
School of Science and Engineering
vherzig@usc.edu.au
07 5456 5382

Eligibility

• Be accepted into a Higher Degrees by Research program at the University of the Sunshine Coast
• Not have an equivalent qualification to the one for which they are currently applying
•  Have a First-Class Bachelor Honours Degree, or show equivalent level of achievement with other academic
  qualifications or professional research experience
• Applications are welcome from both Domestic and International students
• Previous knowledge on electrophysiological techniques (two-electrode voltage-clamp or patch-clamp) and arthropod handling and maintenance would be quite beneficial for the project.
• Experience in working with venoms and recombinant or chemical peptide synthesis would also greatly benefit the project.

Selection criteria

• Undergraduate degree
• Research training degree (First Class Honours or equivalent)
• Research publications
• Professional research experience

Value

• Annual stipend equivalent to the Research Training Program. Stipend value in 2020 is $28,092.
• Annual tuition fees: $29,000
• Overseas student health cover (single cover): $3,420

Application

To apply:

• If you are not a current USC HDR student, complete an application for program admission following the directions on the HDR Applicants page
• Next, apply for the scholarship:
  • Read the important information in the scholarship advertisement
  • Follow the application instructions on the Applying for a HDR Scholarship webpage