Microbial fatty acid derivative production from CO2-derived intermediates

This project aims to diversify the CO2-derived product spectrum by combining anaerobic (syn)gas fermentation with aerobic chain extension of CO2-derived C2 molecules to functionalised fatty acids for various industrial applications. The focus of this PhD project is on the aerobic conversion step. Specifically, you will develop a microbial fermentation based on the bacterium Pseudomonas putida to efficiently convert acetate and/or ethanol into short- to medium-chain methyl ketones as well as other fatty acid derivatives. The tasks include the development and implementation of metabolic strategies for the tolerance and conversion of C2 molecules and the redirection of carbon fluxes to target chemicals. The latter includes the screening of enzymes with optimal chain length specificity. The project will also include the evaluation of fermentation strategies in laboratory bioreactors. You will work closely with the gas fermentation team to optimally combine the two fermentation processes. 

The Australian Institute for Bioengineering and Nanotechnology (AIBN) at the University of Queensland (UQ) provides an ideal research ecosystem for this PhD project. 

AIBN offers world-class facilities and a collaborative, interdisciplinary approach, fostering innovative research in synthetic biology and bioproduction. You will have full access to state-of-the-art synthetic biology and fermentation laboratories, including advanced analytical tools, bioreactors, and liquid handling robots for high-throughput experiments.

Beyond these physical resources, AIBN offers an intellectually stimulating environment and vibrant and knowledgeable research culture, an ideal place for high-quality research in synthetic biology and fermentation-based manufacturing.

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 synthetic biology, advanced cloning, microbiology and fermentation would be of benefit to someone working on this project.

You will demonstrate academic achievement in the field(s) of molecular biotechnology, synthetic biology, bioengineering and the potential for scholastic success.

A background or knowledge of microbial biotechnology and biochemistry is highly desirable.

To be considered for this scholarship, please email the following documents to Dr Birgitta Ebert birgitta.ebert@uq.edu.au:

• Cover letter explaining your motivation for this position and how your expertise aligns with this project
• CV
• Academic transcript/s
• Evidence for meeting UQ's English language proficiency requirements e.g. TOEFL, IELTS

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.