Sustainable valorisation of seaweeds for high-value biomaterials

This Marine Bioeconomy CRC (MBCRC)-funded PhD scholarship project will develop an integrated Ulva seaweed biorefinery model for high-value biomaterials.

The research will establish procedures to extract and characterise valuable structural and
functional components from Australian-grown Ulva seaweed and identify circular bioeconomy pathways
for commercially relevant marine bioproducts.

The project will be undertaken in close collaboration with industry partners. In addition to developing strong research skills in sustainable biomaterials, marine bioproducts, biomass processing, biorefinery development, and materials characterisation, you will gain experience in industry engagement, project communication, translation-focused research, and identifying
commercially relevant application pathways.

The project funding: Tax-free base PhD scholarship of up to $60,000 per year, plus up to $20,000 in independent operating funds to support research activities, conferences, and placements.

You will be based within the Amiralian Group at the Australian Institute for Bioengineering and Nanotechnology (AIBN), The
University of Queensland. The group has established expertise and facilities in biomass refining, sustainable materials development, and advanced materials characterisation, which will directly support the project.

The candidate will have access to AIBN’s research infrastructure, including facilities for biopolymer extraction and processing,
materials characterisation, high-resolution microscopy, rheology, and bioengineering.

The interdisciplinary nature of the project, together with the diverse research expertise within the Amiralian Group, will provide the candidate with training across new and emerging areas of sustainable biomaterials research. The project will also be undertaken in collaboration with Professor Nick Paul at the University of the Sunshine Coast, who will provide access to Australian-grown seaweed biomass and complementary expertise in biomass characterisation.

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 biomass processing, biopolymer science, materials science, and materials characterisation techniques would be of benefit to someone working on this project.

You will demonstrate academic achievement in the fields of materials engineering, materials science, chemical engineering, biotechnology, bioprocess engineering, or a related field and the potential for scholastic success.

A background or knowledge of biopolymer extraction, seaweed biorefinery development, nanocellulose processing, and
advanced materials characterisation is highly desirable.

Equity criteria

No specific equity criteria apply; however, candidates from diverse and underrepresented backgrounds are strongly encouraged to apply.

You must submit an expression of interest (EOI) by 14 August, 2026 14 August, 2026.

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 Associate Professor Nasim Amiralian (n.amiralian@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: SEAWEEDS-AMIRALIAN
4. Link to Scholarship Advertisement: https://study.uq.edu.au/study-options/phd-mphil-professional-doctorate/projects/sustainable-valorisation-seaweeds-high-value-biomaterials

Submit an EOI