Evaluation of biofilm dispersal of Nontuberculous mycobacteria and Legionella in contaminated water environments

Environmental biofilms, such as those found in aqueous environments, can provide a reservoir of bacteria that lead to constant exposure, with potential for infection of both humans and animals. This project will examine the potential for a compound developed by Industry partner Lixa to disrupt biofilms formed by these microorganisms, and look at developing formulations suitable for treating contaminated water systems.

This project is part of the ARC Training Centre for Environmental and Agricultural Solutions to Antimicrobial Resistance (CEAStAR), a collaboration between UQ, the University of Adelaide and industry partners to develop innovative solutions to reduce the adverse impacts of antimicrobial resistance. Research is funded through the Australian Research Council's Industrial Transformation Research Program.

The successful applicant will be jointly based at the Institute for Molecular Bioscience and the Australian Centre for Water and Environmental Technology at UQ's St Lucia campus.  The successful applicant will work closely with the industry partner, Lixa, including completing a 12-month equivalent industry placement to understand the manufacturing process and conduct research there. They will also have access to world-class research facilities, network with a diverse set of expertise, funding opportunities for national and international conferences, and specialised training and development.

The successful applicant will have the opportunity of manage and lead an industry-driven research project with real-world applications.

This project is supported by the Research project scholarship.

Learn more about the Research project scholarship.

You must contact the principal supervisor for this project to discuss your interest. You should only complete the online application after you have reached agreement on supervision.

Always make sure you are approaching your potential supervisor in a professional way. We have provided some guidelines for you on how to contact a supervisor.

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, biofilms, evaluation of biofilm formation, environmental bacterial contamination, molecular biology, development of models for drug testing, and antimicrobial resistance would be of benefit to someone working on this project.

You will demonstrate academic achievement in the field/s of microbiology, molecular microbiology and the potential for scholastic success.

A background or knowledge of aquatic microbiology, and microfluidics is highly desirable.

To be considered for this scholarship, please email the following documents to Professor Mark Blaskovich (admin@ceastar.org.au):

• Cover letter addressing your interest in the project and how you meet the selection criteria (below)
  • Demonstrated research capability through thesis work and/or practical laboratory experience.
  • Well-developed communication and interpersonal skills.
  • Willingness and enthusiasm for working in multidisciplinary teams and environments, including industry partners.
  • Demonstrated ability to work independently and be self-motivated to complete research to a high standard. 
• CV
• Academic transcript/s
• Evidence for meeting UQ's English language proficiency requirements eg TOEFL, IELTS
• Details of two (2) referees

Please note the following: Submitting the above documents does not constitute a full application for admission into The University of Queensland's PhD program. If you are selected as the preferred applicant, you will then be invited to submit a full application for admission. You can familiarise yourself with the documents required for this process on the UQ Study website.