
How to apply
Apply for a joint PhD with the Toronto-Melbourne Research Training Group.
This is one of two research projects studying anabolic treatments for osteoporosis. Melbourne is the home institution for this project. To view the KU Leuven-based partner project, click here.
Cortical bone (bone’s outer shell) forms through a process of consolidation, including the closure of blood vessel-impregnated pores. However, it is essential that some vascularised pores remain, to enable egress of bone marrow cells, such as neutrophils, to the circulation. During ageing, these pores within the cortex expand. Although this process is not understood, it is likely to involve communication between stromal cells, which differentiate into bone-forming osteoblasts, and the vasculature. This project seeks to identify how the vasculature and osteoblasts communicate to facilitate the development and degradation of cortical bone, the toughened outer shell of all skeletal elements.
The laboratory of Professor Sims (The University of Melbourne and St. Vincent’s Institute of Medical Research) studies cortical bone development and the processes by which cortical bone degenerates over time. In our previous work, we have developed methods for measuring cortical bone maturation during bone growth, and have established a mouse model with high cortical porosity due to increased JAK-STAT signalling within bone. One of the features we have noted in this model is a high level of vascularisation within the cortex, which could contribute to the high cortical porosity. In the currently vacant PhD position, the student will use this model and a range of image analysis techniques to understand the bone and vascular signalling pathways that drive high cortical porosity.
To determine the specific molecules and cells that contribute to cortical porosity, the student and team will use genetically modified mouse models, including inducible and site-specific mouse mutants, fluorescent cryohistology and light sheet microscopy, and will apply bone phenotyping methods as micro-CT, histomorphometry and high-resolution 3D confocal vascular imaging.
The overall aim is to identify the first signalling pathway by which osteoblasts control cortical bone trans-vascularisation, which could ultimately lead to improved or new anabolic treatment approaches for osteoporosis.
The University of Melbourne: Professor Natalie Sims
KU Leuven: Associate Professor Christa Maes
*Click on the researcher's name above to learn more about their publication and grant successes.
We are looking for a bright and highly motivated PhD candidate to join our team. Fitting candidates are expected to be very engaged, pro-active and creative, eager to drive their research project, and with good critical-thinking and problem-solving abilities. The work of a PhD student includes designing research protocols, planning and performing experiments (both independently and as part of a team, with thorough training provided by experienced researchers), analyzing data, reporting results to supervisors and colleagues and discussing the findings to shape and outline the next steps. Therefore, good organisational skills, time and project management and ability to work to priorities, are required.
Good knowledge of cell and molecular biology, physiology and the basic biomedical research methodologies is necessary. Fitting candidates will hold a Masters degree in a relevant area (with a final ‘cum laude’ grade), or an equivalent diploma (e.g. Honours degree). Skills and experience in histology, microscopy, molecular biology, transcriptomic data analysis, and/or in vivo work (especially with mice) is not expected but certainly a plus.
Excellent written and oral communication skills are essential. Demonstrated ability to write research reports (e.g., a master thesis) or other manuscripts to a publishable standard (even if not published to date) is expected.
We offer a PhD position in an international research team, with training and supervision at multiple levels, an interesting project and state-of-the-art techniques, and numerous possibilities to further grow scientifically, including by designing and performing research, writing papers as first author, participating in international meetings, collaborating with other scientists, etc. Specifically:
For more information on this project please contact Professor Natalie Sims (nsims@svi.edu.au). For information on both projects, contact Professor Maes and Professor Sims.
To apply for this joint PhD opportunity, and to view the entry requirements, visit How to apply.
Apply for a joint PhD with the Toronto-Melbourne Research Training Group.
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