Microbial defluorination of high-priority PFAS for sustainable remediation

This PhD project is linked to an ARC DECRA project on microbially mediated defluorination of high-priority PFAS.

You will investigate integrated microbial, physicochemical, and computational approaches for the transformation and defluorination of selected PFAS. 

The research will involve, but is not limited to, enrichment cultures, membrane biofilm reactors, targeted batch assays, fluoride-release and recovery measurements, bioinformatics analyses, and the development of hybrid biological–chemical treatment concepts.

Expected outcomes include the identification of PFAS-transforming material–microbial functions, improved mechanistic understanding of hybrid defluorination processes, and biotechnology concepts for sustainable PFAS remediation.

You will be based at ACWEB, UQ St Lucia, an internationally recognised centre for water and environmental biotechnology research.

The project will leverage interdisciplinary facilities for materials characterisation, microbiology, bioreactor operation, chemical analysis, and bioinformatics.

The research will be conducted in a highly interdisciplinary environment spanning environmental microbiology, chemical and materials engineering, PFAS chemistry, and systems biology, with opportunities for collaboration with UQ researchers and external partners.

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

The scholarship includes:

• living stipend of $39,220 per annum tax free (2026 rate), indexed annually
• your tuition fees covered

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 environmental microbiology, materials science, and/or reactor engineering would be of benefit to someone working on this project.

You will demonstrate academic achievement in the fields of environmental engineering, microbiology, biotechnology, chemical/environmental sciences, or a closely related field and the potential for scholastic success.

A background or knowledge of PFAS analysis or degradation, microbial enrichment and isolation, and/or materials science is highly desirable.

This project requires candidates to commence no later than Research Quarter 3, 2027. You can start in an earlier research quarter.

You must submit an expression of interest (EOI) by the closing date for the research quarter (RQ) you want to start in:

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 Wei Li (w.li4@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: 'Fellowship project scholarship'
3. Scholarship Code Listed in the Advertisement: DEFLUORINATION-GUO
4. Link to Scholarship Advertisement: https://study.uq.edu.au/study-options/phd-mphil-professional-doctorate/projects/microbial-defluorination-high-priority-pfas-sustainable-remediation

Submit an EOI