SAAFE CRC Horizontal gene transfer in waterborne bacteria with their protozoan hosts

Opportunistic pathogens (OP) such as Legionella spp. and nontuberculous mycobacteria (NTM) are major causes of waterborne disease outbreaks. For bacteria, genetic exchange by horizontal gene transfer (HGT) is critical for survival and adaptation. In water systems, these OPs are predominantly found in biofilms associated with protozoa (mostly within amoebae). However, little is known on the rates of HGT within predatory amoebae by amoeba-resisting bacteria.

This PhD project will investigate how protozoal predation affect the frequency and reveal why HGT is enhanced in protists. The project will also clarify if extracellular vesicles (from bacterial pathogens and/or free-living amoebae) persist through disinfection and at what rate enable HGT to downstream bacterial pathogens of concern or those within free-living amoebae.

This project is part of the  Cooperative Research Centre for Solving Antimicrobial Resistance in Agribusiness, Food, and Environments (SAAFE), a collaboration between UQ, the University of Adelaide and industry partners to develop innovative solutions to tackle AMR using a coordinated and cross-sectoral approach. Research is funded through SAAFE CRC Scholars Program.

The successful applicant will be based at UQ's Australian Centre for Water and Environmental Biotechnology. The successful applicant will work closely with the industry partner, Calix Limited, including completing a 12-month equivalent industry placement. They will also have access to world-class research facilities, funding opportunities for national and international conferences, and specialised training and development.

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 molecular methods (live/dead assays, DNA extraction, PCR), bioinformatics would be of benefit to someone working on this project.

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

A background or knowledge of antimicrobial resistance and sequencing data analysis is highly desirable.

You must submit an expression of interest (EOI) by 21 January, 2026 10 September, 2025.

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 Professor Jianhua Guo (j.guo1@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: HORIZONTAL-GUO
4. Link to Scholarship Advertisement: https://study.uq.edu.au/study-options/phd-mphil-professional-doctorate/projects/saafe-crc-horizontal-gene-transfer-waterborne-bacteria-their-protozoan-hosts

Submit an EOI