The Univeristy of Melbourne The Royal Melbourne Hopspital

A joint venture between The University of Melbourne and The Royal Melbourne Hospital

EDUCATION

Research Projects

Project: Defining the placental response to virus infection

Subbarao Group

In this project we will investigate infection of placental cells using an in vitro induced trophoblast stem cell model. We will compare virus replication and host responses using SARS-CoV-2, Zika Virus and cytomegaloviruses. We will also obtain human placental tissue to establish explant and organoid models to further explore the effects of SARS-CoV-2 infection.

Contact project supervisor for further
information and application enquiries

Project Supervisor

Professor Kanta Subbarao

Project Co-supervisor

Dr Jessica Neil

Project availability
PhD/MPhil
Master of Biomedical Science

Subbarao Group

kanta.subbarao@unimelb.edu.au

4 vacancies

Themes
Viral Infectious Diseases
Bacterial and Parasitic Infections
Cross Cutting Disciplines
Public Health
Clinical and health systems research

Research in the Subbarao laboratory focuses on respiratory viral diseases of global importance including pandemic and seasonal influenza and coronaviruses including SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) and human coronaviruses. We study virus biology and pathogenesis, airborne spread of respiratory viruses, immune responses to infection and vaccination, and antiviral drugs. We use state of the art techniques in virology, molecular biology and immunology, including reverse genetics, infection of stem cell derived tissues and studies in animal models.