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Postgraduate Research Scholarship in New Anti-Cancer Drug Development

A postgraduate research scholarship
This scholarship aims to support a PhD student to conduct research into new anti-cancer drugs.

Highlights

Value Eligibility Open date Close date
$27,082 (for up to three years)
  • PhD student
  • High academic achiever
TBC TBC

How to apply

Apply here.

Benefits

The scholarship will provide an annual stipend allowance of $27,082 per year for up to three years. The recipient may apply for an extension of up to six months.

Academic course fees and the Student Services Amenities fee are not included for a successful international applicant.

Who's eligible

You must:

  • have an unconditional offer of admission or be currently enrolled in a full-time PhD at the Faculty of Medicine and Health
  • undertake research in the development of new anti-cancer drugs
  • be able to demonstrate strong academic performance.
  • hold an honours degree or a master's degree with a substantial research component in at least one of the following areas:
    i. biology
    ii. biochemistry
    iii. pharmacology
    iv. medicinal chemistry

Background

A unique opportunity is available for an outstanding PhD scholar to conduct research in the development of new anti-cancer drugs. 

Molecular Pharmacology and Pathology laboratory has been at the forefont of translating novel anti-cancer drugs to the clinics. These agents have the special property of up-regulating the metastasis suppressor protein, NDRG1, and overcoming P-glycoprotein mediated resistance to standard chemotherapy (for review see Richardson, D.R. et al Pharmacol Res 2015; 100:255).

1. Background

a. A unique opportunity is available for an outstanding PhD scholar to conduct research in the development of new anti-cancer drugs.

2. Eligibility

a. The Scholarship is offered subject to the applicant having an unconditional offer of admission or being currently enrolled in a full-time PhD at the Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney.

b. Applicants must undertake research in the development of new anti-cancer drugs.

c. Applicants must also hold an Honours degree or a Master's degree with a substantial research component in at least one of the following areas:

I. biology,

II. biochemistry,

III. pharmacology, or

IV. medicinal chemistry

d. Applicants must be able to demonstrate strong academic performance(s).

3. Selection Criteria

a. The successful applicant will be awarded the Scholarship on the basis of:

I. academic merit, and

II. curriculum vitae.

b. The successful applicant will be awarded the Scholarship by Professor Des Richardson.

4. Value

a. The Scholarship will provide a stipend allowance of $27,082 per annum for up to three years, subject to satisfactory academic performance.

b. The successful recipient may apply for an extension of up to 6 months.

c. Academic course fees and the Student Services Amenities fee are not included for a successful international applicant.

d. The Scholarship is for commencement in relevant research period in which it is offered for and cannot be deferred or transferred to another area of research.

e. No other amount is payable.

f. The Scholarship will be offered subject to the availability of funding. 

5. Eligibility for Progression

a. Progression is subject to passing the annual progress review.

6. Leave Arrangements

a. The Scholarship recipient receives up to 20 working days recreation leave each year of the Scholarship and this may be accrued. However, the student will forfeit any unused leave remaining when the Scholarship is terminated or complete. Recreation leave does not attract a leave loading and the supervisor's agreement must be obtained before leave is taken.

b. The Scholarship recipient may take up to 10 working days sick leave each year of the Scholarship and this may be accrued over the tenure of the Scholarship. Students with family responsibilities, caring for sick children or relatives, or experiencing domestic violence, may convert up to five days of their annual sick leave entitlement to carers leave on presentation of medical certificate(s). Students taking sick leave must inform their supervisor as soon as practicable.

7. Research Overseas

a. The Scholarship recipient may not normally conduct research overseas within the first six months of award.

b. The Scholarship holder may conduct up to 18 months of their research outside Australia. Approval must be sought from the student's supervisor, Head of School and the Faculty via application to the Higher Degree by Research Administration Centre (HDRAC), and will only be granted if the research is essential for completion of the degree. All periods of overseas research are cumulative and will be counted towards a student's candidature. Students must remain enrolled full-time at the University and receive approval to count time away.

8. Suspension

a. The Scholarship recipient cannot suspend their award within their first six months of study, unless a legislative provision applies.

b. The Scholarship recipient may apply for up to 12 months suspension of Scholarships for any reason during the tenure of their Scholarship. Periods of Scholarships suspension are cumulative and failure to resume study after suspension will result in the award being terminated. Approval must be sought from the student's supervisor, Head of School and the Faculty via application to the Higher Degree by Research Administration Centre (HDRAC). Periods of study towards the degree during suspension of the Scholarship will be deducted from the maximum tenure of the Scholarship.

9. Changes in Enrolment

a. The Scholarship recipient must notify HDRAC and their supervisor promptly of any planned changes to their enrolment including but not limited to: attendance pattern, suspension, leave of absence, withdrawal, course transfer, and candidature upgrade or downgrade. If the award holder does not provide notice of the changes identified above, the University may require repayment of any overpaid stipend.

10. Termination

a. The Scholarship will terminate:

I. on resignation or withdrawal of the student from their PhD,

II. upon submission of the thesis or at the end of the award,

III. upon the student having completed the maximum candidature for their degree as per the University of Sydney (Higher Degree by Research) Rule 2011 Policy,

IV. If the recipient commences part-time study without prior approval,

V. If the recipient receives an alternative primary stipend Scholarship valued at a higher value,

VI. if the recipient does not resume study at the end of a period of approved leave, or

VII. if the student ceases to meet the eligibility requirements specified for this Scholarship, (other than during a period in which the Scholarship has been suspended or during a period of approved leave).

b. The Scholarship may also be terminated by the University before this time if, in the opinion of the University:

I. the course of study is not being carried out with competence and diligence or in accordance with the terms of this offer,

II. the student fails to maintain satisfactory progress, or

III. the student has committed misconduct or other inappropriate conduct.

c. Stipend payments will be suspended throughout the duration of any enquiry/appeal process.

d. Once the Scholarship has been terminated, it will not be reinstated.

11. Misconduct

a. Where during the Scholarship a student engages in misconduct, or other inappropriate conduct (either during the Scholarship or in connection with the student’s application and eligibility for the Scholarship), which in the opinion of the University warrants recovery of funds paid to the student, the University may require the student to repay stipend amounts and any other payments made to the student in connection with the Scholarship. Examples of such conduct include and without limitation; academic dishonesty, research misconduct within the meaning of the Research Code of Conduct (for example, plagiarism in proposing, carrying out or reporting the results of research, or failure to declare or manage a serious conflict of interests), breach of the Code of Conduct for Students and misrepresentation in the application materials or other documentation associated with the Scholarship.

b. The University may require such repayment at any time during or after the Scholarship period. In addition, by accepting this Scholarship, the student consents to all aspects of any investigation into misconduct in connection with this Scholarship being disclosed by the University to the funding body and/or any relevant professional body.