Project summary
- Program
- PhD
- Location
- St Lucia
- Research area
- Biological sciences, Engineering
Project description
Reducing atmospheric greenhouse gas emissions is essential for mitigating climate change.
Many anthropogenic waste streams, such as biogas, landfill emissions, and industrial effluents from the oil, gas, and mining sectors, are rich in the greenhouse gases methane and carbon dioxide. The valorisation of these waste streams into sustainable fuels, foods, feeds, and chemicals can be achieved through biotechnological conversion processes.
Both aerobic and anaerobic microorganisms offer promising pathways for transforming waste gases into valuable products.
This PhD scholarship will support research projects employing gas‑fermenting microorganisms. Potential research topics include bioprocess design and optimisation, bioprocess scale‑up, multi-omics and systems biology, and computational and process modelling.
Research environment
This project will be undertaken within the Australian Institute for Bioengineering and Nanotechnology (AIBN), a renowned research institute equipped with state-of-the-art facilities specifically designed for gas fermentation research.
AIBN's gas fermentation facility has gained international recognition for its pioneering use of instrumented fermentors, which are critical for developing scalable bioprocesses. Moreover, the UQ Biosustainability Hub at AIBN encompasses two significant NCRIS facilities: IDEA Bio and Q-MAP. IDEA Bio operates as a bioprocess biofoundry, offering comprehensive tools and expertise for bioprocess development, whereas Q-MAP delivers advanced systems biology services.
Together, these facilities position the UQ Biosustainability Hub as a specialised centre of excellence, dedicated to advancing the Australian biotechnology sector through innovative research and development. This vibrant research environment provides an ideal setting for conducting high-impact PhD research aimed at transforming waste greenhouse gases into valuable biochemicals.
Scholarship
This project is supported by the Research project scholarship.
Learn more about the Research project scholarship.
Supervisor
Principal supervisor
Associate supervisor
Associate supervisor
Preferred educational background
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 microbial metabolism and bioprocess engineering would be of benefit to someone working on this project.
You will demonstrate academic achievement with a Masters in Biotechnology, Bioprocess Engineering, Microbiology, Bioinformatics, Systems Biology, Chemical Engineering, or a related field, and the potential for scholastic success.
A background or knowledge of microbial metabolism, multi-omics, systems biology, modelling, or bioreactor experience is highly desirable.
How to apply
You must submit an expression of interest (EOI) by 5 June, 2026 5 June, 2026.
Before you apply
- Check your eligibility for the Doctor of Philosophy (PhD).
- Prepare your documentation.
- If you have any questions about whether the project is suitable for your research interests, contact Mariko Terasaki Hart (m.terasakihart@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:
- Are you applying for an advertised project: 'Yes'
- Project: 'Research project scholarship'
- Scholarship Code Listed in the Advertisement: FERMENTING-MARCELLEN
- Link to Scholarship Advertisement: https://study.uq.edu.au/study-options/phd-mphil-professional-doctorate/projects/valorisation-waste-gases-using-gas-fermenting-microbes