RMIT University 2022 PhD Scholarship in Developing Miniaturised Peripheral Nerve Interface Technology

From a collaboration between RMIT University and Bionics Institute (BI), this project will expand BI’s vagus nerve stimulation technology and utilise novel thin-film fabrication techniques to develop a miniaturised peripheral nerve array for abdominal vagus nerve of mice.

Stimulating the vagus nerve is used clinically for treatment of numerous human diseases (epilepsy, heart failure, obesity etc). As such, the effects of vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) are diverse and have created considerable interest in the clinical community.

At the Bionics Institute, we have developed and validated an electrode array for long-term implantation onto the abdominal vagus nerve of rats and sheep. This technology is now entering clinical trials for the treatment of Crohn’s disease. There are numerous mouse genetic models of human diseases, which are an essential tool for understanding mechanisms of disease, and discovering new therapies. The overall goal of this project is to expand our vagus nerve stimulation technology and adapt it to awake, freely moving mice.

The outcomes of this research will be to develop, manufacture and validate the safety and efficacy of a miniaturised peripheral nerve array in a mouse disease model.

• Table of Content
• About RMIT University
• PhD Scholarship
• Aim and Benefits of PhD Scholarship
• Requirements for PhD Scholarship Qualification
• Application Deadline
• How to Apply

About RMIT University

RMIT University (officially Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology, informally RMIT) is an Australian public research university based in Melbourne, Victoria. Founded in 1887 as the Working Men's College of Melbourne by Francis Ormond, it initially opened as a private night school offering instruction in art, science and technology in response to the industrial revolution in Australia. It was made a public university by act of the Parliament of Victoria in 1992 after merging with the Phillip Institute of Technology. A dual sector institute, its enrolment of 320 trades students in 1887 ... continue reading

PhD Scholarship

Aim and Benefits of PhD Scholarship

3 years with a possibility of extension to 3.5 years

$32,714 per annum for a student stipend (Total for 3.5 year term = $114,500)

Requirements for PhD Scholarship Qualification

To be eligible for this scholarship, applicants must:

• have first-class honours or equivalent in a relevant discipline of bioengineering or electrical engineering
• be an Australian citizen, Australian permanent resident or an international student meeting the minimum English language requirements;
• provide evidence of good oral and written communication skills;
• demonstrate the ability to work as part of a multi-disciplinary research team;
• meet RMIT’s entry requirements for PhD 

Application Deadline

How to Apply

To apply, please submit the following documents to Prof. Flora Salim ([email protected]) cc’ing [email protected]:

• a cover letter (research statement)
• a copy of electronic academic transcripts
• a CV that includes any publications/awards and the contact details of 2 referees.

For international applicants, evidence of English proficiency may be required.

For more details, visit RMIT University website.