Long COVID Biomarker Discovery Research
Investigating biomarkers and driver mechanisms of long COVID
Published on the 08 October 2026 by UNSW Scientia PhD Project
This project is part of the UNSW Scientia PhD Scholarship Scheme
Successful applicants will receive an annual stipend and a one-off Global Mobility Grant to conduct international engagement activities.
Long COVID, also known as Post-Acute Sequelae of COVID-19 (PASC), affects millions of people worldwide and remains a major public health challenge. Persistent symptoms including fatigue, cognitive impairment, breathlessness, and reduced quality of life can continue for years after acute infection, yet the biological mechanisms driving the condition remain poorly understood. This PhD project will investigate the immune, molecular, and virological factors underlying PASC using unique Australian and international clinical cohorts.
The candidate will apply cutting-edge technologies, including proteomics, single-cell genomics, immunology, and machine learning, to identify biomarkers associated with persistent symptoms and disease recovery. Working with the internationally recognised ADAPT cohort at UNSW and the world-leading LIINC cohort at the University of California, San Francisco, the project will provide opportunities to study large-scale clinical datasets and translational research. The findings will support the development of improved diagnostics, patient stratification tools, and future therapeutic strategies for people living with PASC.
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- Residency: Domestic applicants only.
- Degree program: Doctor of Philosophy (PhD).
You must meet the minimum requirements below to apply:
- An appropriate Bachelor degree with first or upper second class Honours from UNSW: OR
- A completed Master by Research, with a substantial research component and demonstrated capacity for timely completion of a high-quality research thesis; OR
- a qualification from another tertiary institution at a level considered equivalent by the Faculty Higher Degree Committee (HDC)
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Eligible applicants must contact the Primary Supervisor, Chansavath Phetsouphanh - z3229172@ad.unsw.edu.au. If he agrees to supervise you, you will be invited to submit a formal application to UNSW.
Your email should include:
- CV
- Official academic transcripts
- A brief introduction about you and why you are qualified for this project.
- What interests you about this project and the supervisor(s) expertise.
Research project overview
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Scholarship value
$39,991 per annum (2027 rate) stipend for 3.5 years
$25,000 Global Mobility Grant (one-off) -
Supervisory team
Dr Chan Phetsouphanhr (UNSW, Primary Supervisor)
Professor Anthony Kellher (UNSW, Co-Supervisor)
Associate Professor Michael Peluso (University of California San Francisco, Co-Supervisor)
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Global research partner
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Candidate residency
Domestic
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Degree program
Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)
UNSW School | Research area
Faculty of Medicine & Health | Kirby Institute
Impact focus area
Pillar 8: Enable healthy lives
Learn more
Supervisors
Do you have questions?
The UNSW Graduate Research School manages all postgraduate research applications and scholarships. Get in touch with our team to discuss your research interests and the next steps.