Higher Degree by Research Application Portal

Human milk is universally recognized as the gold standard for infant nutrition, providing optimal nourishment during critical developmental stages. The World Health Organization and other leading health authorities recommend exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months of life, followed by continued breastfeeding with appropriate complementary foods for up to two years or beyond. This recommendation is based on extensive evidence demonstrating the numerous benefits of human milk for infant growth, development, and immune system function.

While the macronutrient composition of human milk contributes to infant growth, research has shown that milk volume is a crucial factor in achieving optimal growth outcomes. Recent epidemiological data indicates a concerning trend with reports of insufficient milk production increasing globally. This trend appears to correlate with declining maternal health metrics and rising rates of pregnancy complications, suggesting potential physiological and pathological connections that require investigation.

The assessment of milk production currently faces several limitations: traditional measurement methods are resource-intensive, requiring specialized equipment and significant time investment, existing techniques are often impractical for routine clinical use, lack of scalable diagnostic tools and limited understanding of the biological markers associated with low milk production.

This research project aims to: identify and characterize specific biomarkers associated with low milk production using advanced mass spectrometry techniques and develop a comprehensive profile of molecular signatures that may predict insufficient lactation.

Please submit your application via email to chlrt@uwa.edu.au

Include a cover letter, CV, academic transcript and full contact details.

The Centre for Human Lactation Research and Translation via email chlrt@uwa.edu.au

Available to commence January 2025