PhD studies in the
Department of Biochemistry & Pharmacology

Join us in the Department of Biochemistry and Pharmacology where you will engage in world-leading research in one of our main themes: molecular understanding of disease; translational research and drug discovery and development. Our Department houses 30+ research groups working in the areas of biophysics, cell biology, chemical biology, pharmacology, computational biology, drug design, functional genomics, immunology, metabolism, proteomics and structural biology. Disease foci include infection, cancer, neurodegeneration, respiratory disease, inflammatory/autoimmune diseases and genetic diseases.

The Department of Biochemistry & Pharmacology, located in the Bio21 Molecular Science & Biotechnology Institute in the heart of the Melbourne Biomedical Precinct.

Why choose the Department of Biochemistry & Pharmacology

Create new knowledge & develop skills

Develop widely sought-after skills for your future career with many opportunities to develop teaching & leadership skills

Access expertise and build networks

Attend research seminars, work collaboratively with industry and academic partners in the Bio21 Molecular Science & Biotechnology Institute and throughout Australia

Be part of PUBS

Join the vibrant peer-led group PUBS (Pharmacology United with Biochemistry Students), which provides support and a range of professional development and social programs

Research in the heart of the Biomedical Precinct

Find yourself immersed in the largest biomedical precinct in the southern hemisphere

The benefits of enrolling through the
Department of Biochemistry & Pharmacology

Departmental scholarships & prizes

Eligibility for annual Departmental prizes for research impact and excellence. If you've completed Honours in our Department, you’ll also be eligible to apply for our Department's scholarships in addition to those offered by the Faculty and School.

Conference travel funding

During your candidature you will be eligible to apply for for one international and two national conference travel grants to present your work.

How to get started

Excited by our research areas? The first step is to meet with potential supervisors to discuss the projects on offer and find the project that is perfect for you. You will have the opportunity to tour the Department, visit the lab and meet team members.

Explore our research labs

How to apply

Find out how to select your graduate research course, understand the selection process, scholarship opportunities and fees, receive your offer and enrol as a graduate researcher.

How to Apply