PhD and Postdoctoral Positions in Synthetic Biology, Biotechnology, and Clean Technology at University of Waterloo

The University of Waterloo, under the supervision of Assistant Professor Yilan Liu, is recruiting one PhD student and one postdoctoral fellow for research in synthetic biology, biotechnology, and clean technology. The positions are supported by the Canada Impact+ Research Training Awards (CIRTA), which target international talent and provide substantial funding for high-impact research in priority areas such as health biotechnology, clean technology, and environmental sustainability. Research in Professor Liu's laboratory focuses on developing functional probiotics using synthetic biology for health biotechnology and food safety, as well as producing and degrading bioplastics to advance clean technology and environmental resilience. The group offers a strong interdisciplinary team, state-of-the-art laboratory facilities, and close industrial collaborations, providing excellent training opportunities in synthetic biology, computational biology, metabolic engineering, and biomaterials synthesis. Eligibility requirements include being an international student (not currently enrolled at a Canadian institution) with a Master's degree in bioengineering, synthetic biology, microbiology, or a related field. Applicants should have an excellent academic background (high GPA, strong research experience), proficiency in English (TOEFL/IELTS required), and a strong interest in synthetic biology. Prior experimental experience is preferred. Funding for PhD students is CAD $40,000 per year for 3 years, and for postdoctoral fellows, CAD $70,000 per year for 2 years, provided by CIRTA. The program supports research aligned with priority areas such as biotechnology, health, clean technology, and environmental and climate resilience. Additional institutional support may be available as per University of Waterloo regulations. To apply, candidates should email their CV (including GPA), research interests, and publication list (1–2 pages) to [email protected] with the subject line: 'PhD/Postdoc Application – CIRTA – [Your Name]'. The application deadline is February 6, 2027. For more information, candidates can consult the CIRTA program page and Professor Liu's academic profiles. This is an excellent opportunity to join a leading research group at the University of Waterloo and contribute to innovative and sustainable biotechnology solutions.