Dr. Phillip Kearney

Associate Professor

Build a Statement of Purpose

Generate a tailored SOP for Dr. Phillip Kearney. Improve your application with a focused, well-structured draft.

Biography

Phillip Kearney is an Adjunct Associate Professor at the University of New South Wales, holding an MBA from the University of Sydney and a PhD in genetics from Monash University. He completed postdoctoral studies at Imperial College London, focusing on mapping the human Y chromosome, and later worked on mapping the X chromosome at Murdoch Institute in Melbourne. Returning to Sydney, he led the Haematology Research Laboratory for 12 years, concentrating on ribozyme gene therapy approaches for treating Chronic Myeloid Leukaemia. In 2000, he moved to ActiveBiotech AB in Sweden, where he headed preclinical oncology studies and later became Head of Biology at Santaris Pharma, a company focused on antisense-mediated RNA knockdown therapies. In 2007, he joined Merck Sharp & Dohme, where he scouted innovative research and development opportunities across the Asia Pacific region. He has led significant licensing deals, including the Vaxxas patch technology for vaccine delivery and various academic partnerships totaling $2 billion. After 15 years at MSD, he transitioned to executive roles at Axelia Oncology and Amaroq Therapeutics.

Research Interests

Experience

Adjunct Associate Professor

— Present

University of New South Wales • Sydney, Australia

Engaged in research and teaching within the field of genetics and biotechnology.

Head of Biology

— Present

Santaris Pharma • Sweden

Led research initiatives focused on antisense-mediated RNA therapy.

Scout for Innovative Research

— Present

Merck Sharp & Dohme • Sydney, Australia

Identified and facilitated research partnerships and licensing deals across the Asia Pacific.

Requirements for University of New South Wales

Master Program
Requirements
GPA Requirement
Required:3
IELTS
Listening
Required:6
Reading
Required:6
Writing
Required:6
Speaking
Required:6
Overall
Required:6.5
TOEFL
Listening
Required:23
Reading
Required:23
Writing
Required:23
Speaking
Required:23
Total
Required:90
PTE
Listening
Required:54
Reading
Required:54
Writing
Required:54
Speaking
Required:54
Overall
Required:64
Prerequisites
Recognised Bachelor degree Minimum 1 year relevant work experience for certain streams
Application Checklist
  • Academic Transcripts
  • Proof of English Language Proficiency
  • Curriculum Vitae (CV)
  • Personal Statement
  • Copy of Passport
Specialization Notes

Includes Business Intelligence, Enterprise Systems, and Cybersecurity Management streams.