Accepting PhD Students

PhD projects

Structural immunology projects are available investigating human immune responses

20122024

Research activity per year

Personal profile

Biography

Dr Benjamin Gully gained his PhD in 2016 in the group of Professor Charlie Bond and Professor Swaminathan Iyer at the University of Western Australia, investigating the structural characterisation of a previously ill-defined RNA binding protein family. 

He then moved to Monash University and joined Professor Jamie Rossjohn’s laboratory to investigate the molecular determinants of T cell recognition. Here he utilised a multitude of structural and biochemical techniques to study poorly understood - yet numerous - T cell subsets and other immune cell receptors. He expanded into using single-particle cryoEM and now runs a group studying unconventional T cell subsets 

We investigate the ability of adaptive immune cells to respond to  infections or disease. This specialised cellular system relies on the molecular determination of self, from non-self, via cell surface proteins. Thus understanding these protein complexes in high detail is of great interest and holds vast implications for therapeutic development. We study all three lineages of lymphocytes; B cells, ɑβ T cells and most prominently γδ T cells. 

Research interests

We use world leading resources and techniques including use of the Monash Ramaciotti Centre for Cryo-Electron Microscopy. Most notably use of Australia’s first Titan KRIOS fitted with a Falcon III Direct Electron Detector, a Gatan Energy Filter with a K2 Summit Direct Electron Detector, and Volta Phase Plate. In addition we have fortnightly access to the world leading facilities at the Australian Synchrotron after generating protein crystals with the Monash Molecular Crystallisation Facility. Using these resources we have charctersied novel and meritoroius immune complexes publishing in journals such as Science and Nature communications.

Expertise related to UN Sustainable Development Goals

In 2015, UN member states agreed to 17 global Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) to end poverty, protect the planet and ensure prosperity for all. This person’s work contributes towards the following SDG(s):

  • SDG 3 - Good Health and Well-being

Education/Academic qualification

Structural biology, PhD, Structural charcaterisation of troublesome proteins, University of Western Australia

Award Date: 20 Apr 2016

External positions

Local Ambassador for the Biochemical Society in the Asia-Pacific, Biochemical Society

2012 → …

International Ambassador for the University of Huddersfield, UK , University of Huddersfield

2011 → …

Collaborations and top research areas from the last five years

Recent external collaboration on country/territory level. Dive into details by clicking on the dots or
  • 2nd CRYOZ conference

    Ben Gully (Session chair)

    2019 → …

    Activity: Participating in or organising an event typesContribution to conference

  • 2nd CRYOZ conference

    Ben Gully (Member of programme committee)

    2019 → …

    Activity: Participating in or organising an event typesContribution to workshop, seminar, course