Combating pathogens from biofilms in premise plumbing systems

Opportunistic pathogens such as Legionella spp. and nontuberculous mycobacteria (NTM) are major causes of waterborne disease outbreaks.

These pathogens are particularly concerning as a cause of hospital and healthcare facility-acquired infections and disease outbreaks, linked to the persistent biofilms that are present in premise plumbing systems.

Opportunistic pathogens (OPs) are predominantly found in these biofilms associated with protozoans, such as amoeba, which serve as a protective shelter from environmental stress and disinfection procedures, thereby influencing the control and management of OPs within drinking water/premise plumbing systems.

This project aims to improve upon the understanding of the interactions and dynamics of OPs and their protozoan hosts within drinking water systems and biofilms, and the implications for the control and management of these within drinking water environments.

This multi-disciplinary project intersects the research fields of microbiology, environmental engineering, and environmental biotechnology. These are areas of research strength at UQ. In all three ERA assessment rounds, UQ was ranked first in the nation in Environmental Engineering and Environmental Biotechnology.

The successful applicant will be based at the Australian Centre for Water and Environmental Biotechnology, located at The University of Queensland’s St Lucia campus. ACWEB at UQ is one of the top research centres worldwide in innovative water science and technology. ACWEB has an annual budget of $8-10M with the majority of funding sourced from competitive schemes, including the ARC. ACWEB publishes 100+ papers annually in high-quality international peer-reviewed journals, including Science and Nature.

The successful applicant will have access to the research facilities in ACWEB’s PC2-certified Environmental Microbiology Laboratory. They will also have access to complementary facilities at St Lucia, such as flow cytometry, confocal laser scanning microscopy and electron microscopy.

This project is supported by the Research project scholarship.

Learn more about the Research project 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 microbiology, and practical experience in bacterial or protozoan cultivation skills and techniques, molecular biology, microbial ecology, environmental science or engineering would be highly regarded would be of benefit to someone working on this project.

You will demonstrate academic achievement in the field/s of environmental science and/or engineering, molecular biology, microbiology, and bioinformatics. and the potential for scholastic success.

A background or knowledge of microbiology is essential, and a background or knowledge of environmental microbiology with a focus on water is highly desirable.

You must submit an expression of interest (EOI) by 18 January, 2026 18 January, 2026.

Before you apply

1. Check your eligibility for the Doctor of Philosophy (PhD).
2. Prepare your documentation.
3. If you have any questions about whether the project is suitable for your research interests, contact Professor Jianhua Guo (j.guo1@uq.edu.au).

When you apply

To apply, submit an expression of interest (EOI) for the program. You don't need to apply separately for the project or scholarship. How to submit an EOI

In your EOI, complete the ‘Scholarship/Sponsorship’ section with the following details:

1. Are you applying for an advertised project: 'Yes'
2. Project: 'Research project scholarship'
3. Scholarship Code Listed in the Advertisement: BIOFILMS-GUO
4. Link to Scholarship Advertisement: https://study.uq.edu.au/study-options/phd-mphil-professional-doctorate/projects/combating-pathogens-biofilms-premise-plumbing-systems

Submit an EOI