Higher Degree by Research Application Portal

Can we directly see and measure how dietary nutrients are used by bone and bone marrow cells in health, and how this rewires in disease?

Our laboratory is building multimodal correlative imaging workflows that integrate light, electron, and ion microscopy, merging “biology” and “chemistry” to directly visualise uncover previously unrecognised processes within the skeletal system. Our goal is not only to define disease mechanisms, but also to identify actionable therapeutic strategies for major skeletal and marrow disorders, including osteoporosis, bone cancer, and haematological disease.

We are recruiting two domestic PhD students to work on NHMRC-funded projects to tackle a central open question in skeletal biology: which nutrient substrates drive bone marrow adipose tissue (BMAT) formation and expansion, and how does this reshape bone homeostasis (e.g., osteoporosis) and potentially influence erythropoiesis, cancer progression? Using our stable isotope tracing + correlative electron/ion microscopy platform, students will gain strong training in nanoscale metabolic mapping in situ and investigate key regulatory nodes in bone and marrow metabolism with clear translational potential.

• Honours or Master's degree (or equivalent) that includes a thesis component (at least 25% of one year) at a H1A.

Please email Dr Kai Chen (kai.chen@uwa.edu.au) a CV and academic transcripts, and the competitive candidates will be contacted for interview.

Dr Kai Chen, kai.chen@uwa.edu.au

The selection process may conclude early if appropriate applicants are secured.