Compressed indexes for scalable genomic pattern matching and retrieval

This scholarship is provided by the School of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science to support Dr Joel Mackenzie's ARC DECRA Fellowship "Compressed Data Structures for Scalable Genomic Search"

You will develop novel compressed indexes and querying algorithms for efficiently processing sequence data at massive scales. The project expects to improve data representations for supporting membership, pattern matching, and ranking tasks over both textual and biological sequences.

The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia, is a world's top 50 university (QS World University Rankings 2025). Embedded in the Data Science discipline at UQ, you will be part of a world-leading group with expertise across several domains of computer science and beyond. You will be situated at the beautiful St Lucia campus next to the Brisbane river, about 7 km from the Brisbane CBD: https://campuses.uq.edu.au/st-lucia.

Host for the 2032 Olympic Games, Brisbane is one of the fastest-growing capital cities in Australia in terms of population and employment. Brisbane residents are young and skilled, highly educated and culturally diverse. With 12 months of sunshine-filled days and clear blue skies, Brisbane has a climate that sets the scene for year-round alfesco activities. Even in the midst of a Brisbane winter, you'll be able to play in the parks and dine outdoors.

As the most biologically diverse capital in Australia, Brisbane is a green city with clean, healthy air and a clear commitment to its environment. The Brisbane City Council achieved carbon neutral status for its operations in 2017.

Brisbane's public transport system is a clean and green network of trains, ferries (CityCats) and buses that have been integrated so commuters can travel seamlessly between each service. Brisbane's nightlife is extensive, spread across both sides of the river, and packed with variety and options: https://www.visitbrisbane.com.au 

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 common data structures, algorithms, data compression techniques, and/or efficient systems programming  would be of benefit to someone working on this project.

You will demonstrate academic achievement in the fields of computer science, discrete mathematics, or bioinformatics and the potential for scholastic success.

A background or knowledge of computer science, bioinformatics, or discrete mathematics  is highly desirable.

You must submit an expression of interest (EOI) by 22 May, 2026 22 May, 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 Dr Joel Mackenzie (joel.mackenzie@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: PATTERN-MACKENZIE
4. Link to Scholarship Advertisement: https://study.uq.edu.au/study-options/phd-mphil-professional-doctorate/projects/compressed-indexes-scalable-genomic-pattern-matching-and-retrieval

Submit an EOI