Physiological understanding of the methane-metabolising microorganisms

Methane is a potent greenhouse gas with a global warming potential 28 times that of carbon dioxide. Microbial methane metabolism – mediated by methanogenic and methanotrophic archaea - is responsible for controlling methane emissions and, as such playing a crucial role in balancing the global methane cycle. However, our current understanding of this process is still poor. This interdisciplinary project aims to enhance our knowledge of reversible methane metabolism in these archaea and will lead to improved techniques for characterizing their physiology. Ultimately, this research will reveal previously unknown metabolic capabilities and pathways, enabling us to make more accurate predictions of global methane emissions in a changing climate.

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

The scholarship includes:

• living stipend of $36,400 per annum tax free (2025 rate), indexed annually
• your tuition fees covered
• single overseas student health cover (OSHC).

Learn more about the Fellowship support scheme 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, biochemistry, electrochemistry and bioinformatics would be of benefit to someone working on this project.

This project requires candidates to commence no later than Research Quarter 1, 2026. To allow time for your application to be processed, we recommend applying no later than 30 September, 2025 30 June, 2025.

You can start in an earlier research quarter. See application dates.

Before you apply

1. Check your eligibility for the Doctor of Philosophy (PhD).
2. Prepare your documentation.
3. Contact Dr Xueqin Zhang (xueqin.zhang@uq.edu.au) to discuss your interest and suitability.

When you apply

You apply for this scholarship when you submit an application for a PhD. You don’t need to submit a separate scholarship application.

In your application ensure that under the ‘Scholarships and collaborative study’ section you select:

• My higher degree is not collaborative
• I am applying for, or have been awarded a scholarship or sponsorship
• UQ Earmarked Scholarship type.

Apply now