2026 PhD Scholarship in Vaccine Adjuvant Discovery at Monash University

The Department of Microbiology is currently recruiting for a PhD student to work under the supervision of Professor Diana Hansen. In this role, the successful candidate will participate in a multidisciplinary consortium, with research partners at Griffith University in Queensland. This NHMRC-funded project will pursue a systems biology approach to investigate immune mechanisms of action of vaccine-adjuvant candidates identified via a thorough high-throughput screening process conducted at Griffith University. The candidate will be also involved in studies analysing immune responses to P. falciparum malaria vaccines.

Table of Content

• Summary
• Benefits
• Requirements
• Application Documents
• Application Deadline
• How To Apply

Summary

• Application DeadlineMarch 20, 2026
• Study LevelPhD
• SponsorMonash University
• City to studyVictoria
• School to studyMonash University
• Eligible CountryAll Countries

Benefits

• The successful applicant will receive a Research Living Allowance, at current value of $37,145AUD per annum 2026 full-time rate (tax-free stipend), indexed plus allowances as per RTP stipend scholarship conditions at: www.monash.edu/graduate-research/study/scholarships/fees-scholarships/scholarship-policy-and-procedures.

Requirements

1. Applicants will be considered provided that they fulfil the criteria for PhD admission at Monash University and demonstrate excellent research capability. Details of the relevant requirements are available at www.monash.edu/graduate-research/future-students/apply. A degree in Science, Biomedicine, or relevant area.

2. Applicants must show excellent communication and interpersonal skills, and the ability to conduct self-motivated research within a group high-performing and target-driven group of researchers. They should have research-based Honours or Master’s Degree (or equivalent) in the relevant research areas. Shortlisted candidates will be interviewed, over Zoom if necessary. The interviews will be conducted in English.

• Honour’s or Master’s degree in a relevant field (immunology, infectious diseases), with a significant research component and with first-class honours/H1 awarded

3. Details of eligibility requirements, including English-language proficiency skills, to undertake a PhD in the Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences are available at www.monash.edu/arts/graduate_research/how-to-apply. Applicants should ensure they familiarise themselves with these requirements before deciding whether they should apply. Please note: applicants who already hold a PhD will not be considered. Scholarship holders must be enrolled full-time and on campus.

4. During their doctoral studies, the student will be expected to conduct research under supervision either as a member of a team or, where appropriate, independently and produce research material contributing towards conference, seminar papers and publications. Attendance at meetings associated with research or the work of the organisational unit to which the research is connected and/or at departmental, school and/or faculty meetings is expected.

5. The successful applicant will be expected to be enrolled before June 2026.

Application Documents

Submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) which shall comprise:

• A cover letter that includes a brief statement of the applicant's suitability
• A curriculum vitae, including a list of published works
• A full statement of academic record, supported by scanned copies of relevant certified documentation
• Contact details of two academic referees
• Evidence of English-language proficiency (if you have)
• A one-page write-up on your scientific understanding of vaccine adjuvants

Check also:
ANU Australian Government Research Training Program (RTP) Stipend Scholarship 2026
University of Canberra Research Scholarships 2026

Application Deadline

How To Apply

• Please submit your EOI to Professor Diana S Hansen: [email protected], preferably in a single PDF attachment.
• Enquiries: Professor Diana Hansen, Department of Microbiology, +61 3 9905 3721, [email protected]

For more information, kindly visit the Monash University website.