Bacterial evolution of antimicrobial resistance in urban water systems

Antimicrobial resistance is recognised as a global threat to human health and economic development. Waterborne pathogens, which can cause severe human infections, have been frequently detected in urban water distribution systems. Although various disinfection processes are widely used to control waterborne pathogens in water supply systems, the emergence and spread of antimicrobial resistance across waterborne pathogens have not been reported yet.

By innovatively coupling lab-scale and field-scale experiments in real-time, this project aims to fundamentally reveal the evolutionary trajectories of waterborne pathogens and investigate the temporal dynamics of antimicrobial resistance transmission across biofilm pathogens in urban water systems. This project is also practically expected to develop efficient disinfection technologies to achieve simultaneous removal of antimicrobial resistance, waterborne pathogens and biofilms. The discoveries of this project have the potential to propose guidelines and technologies for industry partners to control antimicrobial resistance and secure drinking water quality. The project’s findings are expected to forge partnerships with industry partners and guide policy development for urban water management.

The successful applicant will work in the scope of a newly awarded ARC project (DECRA) and will be jointly supervised by Dr Zhigang Yu (Environmental microbiology) and Professor Jianhua Guo (Environmental microbiology/Engineering) in Australian Centre for Water and Environmental Biotechnology at UQ.

This PhD project is within UQ’s defined strength of environmental science (the top 20 in the world). The Australian Centre for Water and Environmental Biotechnology (ACWEB) at UQ is one of the top research centres worldwide in the field of environmental biotechnology and engineering. The Centre has excellent experimental and analytical facilities, including lab- and pilot-scale reactors and advanced analytical and monitoring tools. ACWEB fosters a thriving research environment and provides exciting opportunities for professional development, both academically and with industry.

This is an Fellowship support scheme scholarship project that aligns with a recently awarded Australian Government grant.

The scholarship includes:

• living stipend of $36,400 per annum tax free (2025 rate), indexed annually
• your tuition fees covered
• single overseas student health cover (OSHC).

Learn more about the Fellowship support scheme scholarship.

Your application will be assessed on a competitive basis.

We take into account your:

• previous academic record
• publication record
• honours and awards
• employment history.

A working knowledge of water chemistry, biological science, and biotechnology would be of benefit to someone working on this project.

You will demonstrate academic achievement in the field(s) of environmental science and engineering, microbiology, or the related and the potential for scholastic success.

A background or knowledge of water chemistry and/or microbioogy is highly desirable.

This project requires candidates to commence no later than Research Quarter 1, 2026. To allow time for your application to be processed, we recommend applying no later than 30 September, 2025 30 June, 2025.

You can start in an earlier research quarter. See application dates.

Before you apply

1. Check your eligibility for the Doctor of Philosophy (PhD).
2. Prepare your documentation.
3. Contact Dr Zhigang Yu (zhigang.yu@uq.edu.au) to discuss your interest and suitability.

When you apply

You apply for this scholarship when you submit an application for a PhD. You don’t need to submit a separate scholarship application.

In your application ensure that under the ‘Scholarships and collaborative study’ section you select:

• My higher degree is not collaborative
• I am applying for, or have been awarded a scholarship or sponsorship
• UQ Earmarked Scholarship type.

Apply now