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University of New South Wales

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Fully Funded PhD in Chemically Rewiring the DNA Backbone for Functional Materials University of New South Wales in Australia

Degree Level

PhD

Field of study

Biochemistry

Funding

Fully funded PhD scholarship at the UNSW rate of $39,206 per annum for 3.5 years.

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Country

Australia

University

University of New South Wales

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Keywords

Biochemistry
Computer Science
Chemistry
Biomedical Engineering
Materials Science
Biotechnology
Organic Chemistry
Biology
Artificial Intelligence
Polymer Chemistry
Chemical Synthesis
Nanoscience
Supramolecular Chemistry
Dna Nanotechnology
ML
bio engineering

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About this position

PhD opportunity at UNSW Sydney in DNA nanotechnology, organic chemistry, supramolecular chemistry, bioconjugation chemistry, and materials science.

This funded PhD project, hosted by the School of Chemistry at UNSW Sydney with Dr Felix Rizzuto, aims to chemically rewire the DNA backbone so DNA can be densely modified with functional groups. The research explores how backbone-bound groups affect DNA structure, molecular recognition, and self-assembly, and will create responsive nanostructures such as micelles, droplets, and fibres.

The candidate will combine synthetic chemistry and bioconjugation with spectroscopy, microscopy, chromatography, and DNA nanotechnology. Functional motifs may include hydrophobic, photoresponsive, catalytic, or recognition groups. The broader goal is to transform DNA into a chemically programmable polymer for applications in biosensing, diagnostics, drug delivery, adaptive materials, and synthetic biology.

Eligibility: domestic or international students with a degree in Chemistry, Biotechnology, Nanoscience, or a related field. Strong organic/supramolecular chemistry skills are especially valued, and experience with machine learning or AI methods is also welcomed. Applicants must meet UNSW HDR admission requirements, including at least 9 months of research experience plus a thesis or comparable written work.

Funding: fully funded at the UNSW rate of $39,206 per annum for 3.5 years.

How to apply: email Dr Felix Rizzuto directly with your background, research interests, expected completion date, availability to start, CV, transcripts, and two referees. Use the subject line Prospective PhD for DNA nanotechnology. Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis.

Funding details

Fully funded PhD scholarship at the UNSW rate of $39,206 per annum for 3.5 years.

What's required

Applicants should be domestic or international students with a degree in Chemistry, Biotechnology, Nanoscience or a related discipline. The project particularly seeks candidates with strong organic or supramolecular chemistry skills and/or experience in machine learning and AI methods. UNSW HDR admission requirements apply, including at least 9 months of research experience plus a thesis or comparable written work.

How to apply

Email Dr Felix Rizzuto directly with your background, research interests, expected degree completion date, proposed PhD start date, CV, academic transcripts, and contact details for two referees. Use the subject line 'Prospective PhD for DNA nanotechnology'. Applications are assessed on a rolling basis.

More information can be found here

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