Next-Generation Malaria Vaccine Targets
Discovering Next-Generation Malaria Vaccine and Immunotherapy Targets
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.
Malaria remains a major global health challenge, creating an urgent need for effective vaccines and antibody-based interventions. In our lab we aim to discover novel surface antigens of the malaria parasite that induce protective immune responses and provide targets for next-generation vaccines, monoclonal antibodies and other immunotherapies.
This UNSW Scientia PhD project will combine advanced immunology, parasitology and high-throughput antigen-screening approaches, investigating how parasite proteins interact with antibodies and immune cells, assessing their potential to induce protective responses, and prioritising targets for vaccine/therapeutic development.
The project includes partnership with Ehime University, Japan, a centre for malaria protein production and screening technology, with an international research placement providing specialist training and insight into translational vaccinology.
As the most prestigious PhD studentship available at UNSW, we are seeking truly exceptional applicants with a passion for infectious disease research and vaccine design, preferably with a relevant Masters degree, publications and/or other evidence of distinction.
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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, Jake Baum - z3534860@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
Professor Jake Baum (UNSW, Primary Supervisor)
Dr Deborah Burnet (UNSW, Co-Supervisor)
Professor Eizo Takashima (Protein Science Centre, Ehime University, 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 | School of Biomedical Sciences
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.