Career Opportunities

SCL is currently offering the following research projects to interested students for higher degrees.

1. Role of GLP-1 receptors in hESCs and iPS cells in maintaining pluripotency

Recently we have demonstrated the presence of GLP-1 receptors in human embryonic stem cells (hESCs) and induced pluripotent stem (iPS) cells. Our preliminary data on micro RNA indicate that these receptors may have a role in maintaining pluripotency in these cells. This project is to understand the mechanism how GLP-1 receptors are involved in this process. It will require molecular biology skills and the tissue culture knowledge is desirable. It will offer an opportunity to learn the basic stem cell biology and other molecular biology techniques. SCL has state-of-the-art facilities and expertise in stem cell biology research.

2. Disease modelling by using iPS cells derived from the early staged Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s patients

We have produced and characterised iPS cells by using both the fetal and adult human skin-derived fibroblasts. Our next phase is to derive disease-specific iPS cells using our optimised procedure and to use these iPS cells for disease modelling. It will require the molecular biology skills particularly epigenetic profiling. Tissue culture knowledge is also desirable. This project will offer an extensive opportunity to learn the basic stem cell biology and other molecular biology techniques. SCL has state-of-the-art facilities and expertise in stem cell biology research.

Please contact A/Prof Kuldip Sidhu ( or 9382 2622) for more information.

3. Increasing the efficiency of reprogramming in somatic cells to a pluripotent state by non-genetic means

We have partially reprogrammed human fetal fibroblasts (HFFs) using a combinatorial approach of changing the epigenetic status and by using human embryonic stem cell (hESC) extracts. These partial reprogrammed cells were able to be differentiated into neuronal cells. However, apoptotic genes were found to be up-regulated in the reprogrammed cells, which may have a negative effect on cell growth and survival. Initial data also suggest that the culture medium may have a role in the process of reprogramming.

This project will further investigate the improvement of the reprogramming efficiency, which would lead to a better understanding of the mechanisms involved in maintaining these partially reprogrammed cells in culture. Improvement of the reprogramming efficiency will include blocking the apoptotic pathway, manipulating culture conditions and changing the microenvironment.

The ideal candidate will have experience in tissue culture, cell and molecular biology.