The Australian Institute for Bioengineering and Nanotechnology (AIBN) at The University of Queensland is offering PhD scholarships for two funded projects in synthetic biology and sustainable biomanufacturing. The research focuses on engineering microbial systems for improved bioproduction and sustainable food and beverage solutions. The first project aims to increase carbon efficiency in aerobic biomanufacturing using Pseudomonas putida as a model chassis, targeting conversions of acetate/molasses to fatty-acid derivatives and lignin-derived monomers to polymer precursors. This involves synthetic biology, enzyme assays, metabolic modelling, and bioreactor fermentations to reduce carbon losses and improve yields. The second project centers on engineering yeast flavour profiles for sustainable foods and beverages, utilizing CRISPR-based genome editing, volatilome profiling, and machine learning to enhance desirable aroma and flavour compounds. Both projects provide access to state-of-the-art synthetic biology and fermentation laboratories, advanced analytical tools, and a collaborative research environment at AIBN.

The projects are supervised by Dr Birgitta Ebert, Senior Research Fellow and Group Leader at AIBN. Applicants should have a strong background in synthetic biology, bioengineering, metabolic engineering, molecular biotechnology, biochemistry, biochemical engineering, systems biology, or related fields. Experience in microbiology, fermentation, metabolic modelling, and analytics is highly desirable. Selection is competitive and considers academic record, publications, honours, and employment history.

Funding is provided through the Research project scholarship, which includes a living stipend of $37,500 per annum (tax free, 2026 rate, indexed annually) and full tuition fee coverage. The application deadline is 2 March 2026. To apply, submit an expression of interest (EOI) for the PhD program, including the relevant project and scholarship details. For questions about project suitability, contact Dr Birgitta Ebert at [email protected].

Research areas and keywords include synthetic biology, biomanufacturing, microbial biotechnology, metabolic engineering, bioengineering, molecular biotechnology, biochemistry, biochemical engineering, systems biology, fermentation, CRISPR genome editing, and metabolic modelling.