Engineering scalable microbial protein production from sustainable feedstocks

Microbial protein (MP) production offers a promising route to decouple protein supply from conventional agriculture, enabling sustainable, high-efficiency conversion of renewable feedstocks into nutritious biomass.

Leveraging the metabolic versatility of microorganisms, MP systems can valorise low-value and non-refined resources into high-quality protein, contributing to circular and low-carbon manufacturing.

However, achieving both high productivity and desirable protein quality remains a key challenge, requiring an integrated approach that combines microbial physiology, process engineering, and bioprocess intensification.

This PhD project will address these challenges by developing next-generation MP production strategies that balance growth performance, product quality, and process scalability for industrial deployment.

This project will be based at The University of Queensland's St Lucia campus, at the Andrew N. Liveris Building School of Chemical Engineering, opened in 2022.

This top-class building has state-of-the-art laboratories for microbial cultivation, biotechnology and bioengineering. The candidate will work in a highly international and stimulating research environment, with access to cutting-edge analytical and bioprocess engineering infrastructure within the building, as well as access to dedicated core facilities across UQ's St Lucia campus.

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 microbial cultivation, microbial physiology, bioreactors, food (bio)technology, and/or quantitative data analysis would be of benefit to someone working on this project.

You will demonstrate academic achievement in the fields of microbial biotechnology, bioprocess engineering, and/or bioscience engineering and the potential for scholastic success.

A background or knowledge of bioscience engineering, (bio)chemical engineering, biotechnology or equivalent  is highly desirable.

You must submit an expression of interest (EOI) by 8 September, 2026 8 September, 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 Ramon Ganigue (r.ganigue@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: FEEDSTOCKS-GANIGUE
4. Link to Scholarship Advertisement: https://study.uq.edu.au/study-options/phd-mphil-professional-doctorate/projects/engineering-scalable-microbial-protein-production-sustainable-feedstocks

Submit an EOI