Three PhD Positions with Fully-funded Scholarships at MUSCBC

We are hiring three enthusiastic early career scientists whom we can offer a three/four year fully funded scholarship for conducting PhD research at Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Science, Mahidol University. These scholarships provide an average monthly stipend of at least 15,000 THB along with tuition fees, health insurance and so on. PhD students will study different aspects of biochemistry, molecular biology, and cell biology under our International Graduate Program in Biochemistry.

We are looking for different profiles that will combine in a multidisciplinary team of scientists, embedded within MUSCBC:

Project 1: Prof. Sarawut Jitrapakdee

Project 2: Asst. Prof. Sakonwan Kuhaudomlarp

Project 3: Dr. Vorthon Sawaswong

Eligibility: For all positions, a person must be aged 40 or under and a Bachelor or Master of Science degree is required; BSc GPAx ≥ 3.25, MSc GPAx ≥ 3.5. Excellent knowledge of the English language is a prerequisite; IELTS ≥ 6 (Writing ≥ 6 and Speaking ≥ 6), TOEFL-iBT ≥ 79 (Writing ≥ 23 and Speaking ≥ 19), or MU GRAD Plus ≥ 90 (Writing ≥12 and Speaking ≥ 12). Candidates of all nationalities are eligible.

We welcome applications by 30/11/2025 or until filled. Applications must include a CV and a motivation letter, sent directly to the corresponding PI.

Project 1

Prof. Sarawut Jitrapakdee

Project 1.1: Precision Medicine for Colorectal Cancer

Colorectal cancer is driven by the deregulation of cell growth, resulting in uncontrolled proliferation and the potential to invade surrounding tissues and metastasize to distant organs. Cancer cells sustain their malignant phenotype by promoting proliferative signaling, invasion, metastasis, and angiogenesis, while evading growth suppression, programmed cell death, and metabolic regulation.

Cellular metabolism plays a central role in supporting cancer cell growth by supplying energy and biosynthetic precursors. Disruption of metabolic homeostasis can deplete energy and essential building blocks, ultimately compromising the bioenergetic status of cancer cells and inducing cell death. Targeting cancer metabolism has therefore emerged as a promising avenue for the development of novel therapeutic strategies.

Our laboratory focuses on cancer metabolism through a multidisciplinary approach that integrates genetic engineering, advanced imaging, metabolic profiling, synthetic organic chemistry, and nanotechnology. Our specific aims are:

To identify and characterize novel compounds that selectively target cancer metabolism.
To elucidate the cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying the actions of these metabolism-targeting agents.

Project 1.2: Targeting Adipose Tissue Expansion as an Anti-Cancer Strategy

Obesity is a major global health challenge and a known risk factor for several types of cancer. A hallmark of obesity is the pathological expansion of adipose tissue, which contributes to systemic insulin resistance and chronic inflammation. These processes are mediated by the secretion of adipokines and pro-inflammatory cytokines from adipose tissue, which disrupt insulin signaling and promote tumor progression.

Inhibiting adipose tissue expansion represents a promising strategy not only for combating obesity and metabolic disorders, but also for reducing cancer risk and progression. Our research investigates phytochemical and synthetic compounds that target key enzymes in the lipid biosynthesis pathway. These efforts aim to develop new therapeutic agents that modulate adipose tissue function and potentially inhibit obesity-associated tumorigenesis.

To achieve this, we utilize a comprehensive platform combining adipocyte biology, live-cell imaging, metabolic flux analysis, and CRISPR-Cas9 gene editing. This approach enables us to identify and characterize genes and pathways that regulate adipocyte phenotype and expansion, with the long-term goal of developing novel metabolism-targeted cancer therapeutics.

Please contact Prof. Sarawut Jitrapakdee, sarawut.jit@mahidol.ac.th, for more information.

Project 2

Project Description

This project focuses on designing and engineering carbohydrate-binding lectins with multiple specificity toward viral envelope glycans. Using protein engineering and structural biology approaches, the goal is to develop lectin-based inhibitors that block viral attachment and fusion. Candidates will gain experience in recombinant protein expression, biophysical characterization, and antiviral assays in cell culture.

Lab Description

The Glycobiology and Diseases Laboratory at the Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Science, Mahidol University, investigates the molecular mechanisms by which glycans and glycoproteins influence viral infection and host immune recognition. The lab integrates structural biology, molecular biology, and computational modeling to explore protein–glycan interactions, engineer antiviral lectins, and characterize glycosylation patterns of viral proteins. Ongoing projects span from lectin design and viral glycoprotein analysis to vaccine development.

Please contact Asst. Prof. Sakonwan Kuhaudomlarp, sakonwan.kuh@mahidol.ac.th, for more information.

Project 3

Dr. Vorthon Sawaswong

Lab Overview

Our lab integrates high-throughput sequencing technologies and bioinformatics to explore microbial diversity, pathogenesis, and host–microbe interactions in the context of One Health. The research spans humans, animals, and environmental samples to uncover microbial genetic factors associated with emerging infectious diseases, antimicrobial resistance, and microbial evolution. We apply genomics, metagenomics, and transcriptomics approaches to study both cultured and uncultured microbes. The students in our lab will gain hands-on experience in sample collection, nucleic acid extraction, library preparation, sequencing (Illumina and Oxford Nanopore platforms), and advanced data analysis using bioinformatics pipelines, multi-omics application, and computational biology tools.

Research Opportunities

Project 3.1: Comprehensive Full-Length Transcriptome Analysis of Cryptococcus neoformans

This project explores how the pathogenic yeast Cryptococcus neoformans adapts and responds to stress through transcriptional regulation and alternative splicing. Using Oxford Nanopore long-read sequencing, the study will generate full-length transcriptomes of strains with different virulence levels under both normal and capsule-inducing conditions.
The project will contribute to understanding fungal virulence mechanisms and identify potential therapeutic targets.

Keywords: Transcriptomics, Alternative Splicing, Nanopore Sequencing, Fungal Virulence, RNA Biology

Project 3.2: Metagenomic Analysis of Pigeon Microbiome in Bangkok

Urban pigeons (Columba livia) serve as reservoirs for diverse microorganisms, some of which pose public health risks. This project aims to profile the microbiome and virome of pigeons from various public areas in Bangkok using high-throughput metagenomic sequencing. The research provides training in metagenomic analysis, microbial diversity profiling, and public health risk assessment, contributing to surveillance of zoonotic and antimicrobial-resistant pathogens in urban ecosystems.

Keywords: Metagenomics, Zoonosis, Urban Microbiome, Pathogen Surveillance, One Health

Please contact Dr. Vorthon Sawaswong, vorthon.saw@mahidol.ac.th, for more information.