PhD Scholarship – Unravelling the Role of TMAO in Cardiovascular Health and Plaque Stability

and Plaque Stability

Job No.: 656441

Location: Victorian Heart Institute

Employment Type: Full-time

Duration: 3-year fixed-term appointment

Remuneration: The successful applicant will receive a tax-free stipend, at the current value of $33,000 AUD per annum 2023 full-time rate, as per the Monash Research Training Program (RTP) Stipend www. monash.edu/study/fees- scholarships/scholarships/find-a-scholarship/research-training-program- scholarship#scholarship-details

The Opportunity

The Victoria Heart Institute is seeking a medical graduate interested in completing a PhD within a NHMRC-funded project in cardiovascular disease. The project is nested within the Victoria Heart Hospital at Monash Clayton campus and is focused on gut microbiome and vascular health. When specific gut bacteria break down dietary choline, betaine, and carnitine found in red meat, fish, and dairy products, TMAO (trimethylamine N-oxide) is created in the body. Increasing blood levels of TMAO may be linked to a higher risk of cardiovascular disease. According to research, TMAO can promote atherosclerosis by several different mechanisms. It has been discovered that TMAO impedes the movement of cholesterol out of the arteries by macrophages and eliminates extra cholesterol from the blood vessels. Inflammation and plaque formation may result from the buildup of cholesterol in the arterial wall as a result. Additionally, it has been demonstrated that TMAO increases platelet activation and clot formation, which may help to cause thrombotic events like heart attacks and strokes. Additionally, TMAO may heighten endothelial dysfunction and oxidative stress, both of which contribute to the pathogenesis of the cardiovascular disease. We have obtained a specific TMAO inhibitor and would like to investigate whether TMAO inhibition can stabilize vulnerable plaque formation and reduce the myocardial infarction.

We are looking for applicants who:

If this opportunity excites you, we'd love to hear from you!

Monash University seeks applicants for this opportunity who are able to demonstrate and present valid and current Australian work rights.

At Monash University, we are committed to being a Child Safe organisation. A Working with Children Check may be required, this will be confirmed at the time of offer and the process will be communicated to you.

Eligibility Requirements

Candidates will need to fulfil the Monash University minimum requirements for admission to a PhD detailed here.

The project is based in Melbourne, Australia, and is available for immediate start.

How to apply

For general instructions on how to apply for roles at Monash, please refer to "How to apply for Monash Jobs".

To express your interest in this scholarship and PhD research opportunity, we request candidates provide the following documents via email to [email protected]:

Enquiries

Yung-Chih (Ben) Chen VMD, Ph.D., Heart Foundation Future Leader Fellow; Baker Heart and Diabetes Institute Fellow, +61 3 7511 1862, [email protected]

Closing Date

Monday 4 December 2023, 11:55pm AEDT

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