Photosynthetic Production of Valuable Microbial Biochemicals
PhD Scholarship
This project aims to develop a carbon-negative biomanufacturing platform, using cyanobacteria, to produce sustainable biochemicals for agriculture, health, and environmental applications.
This project aims to develop a sustainable platform for the manufacture of valuable biochemicals from cyanobacteria, including neuroactive, metal-binding, and UV-blocking compounds.
Current manufacturing methods are costly, inefficient and detrimental to the environment. This project will adopt a synthetic biology approach to develop a potentially carbon-negative (photosynthetic) process for their industrial-scale production.
Improved access to biochemicals, with novel applications in agriculture, bioremediation, environmental monitoring, and health, will strengthen Australia’s emerging biomanufacturing industry, with flow-on improvements to food and water security, the economy and the health of our planet.
PhD Scholarship details
Funding:
Australian Research Council Linkage Project, $38,938 per annum (2026 rate) indexed annually. For a PhD candidate, the living allowance scholarship is for 3.5 years, and the tuition fee scholarship is for 3.5 years. Scholarships also include up to $1,500 relocation allowance.
Supervisor: Prof Brett Neilan
Available to: Domestic and International students
PhD
Eligibility Criteria
The applicant will need to meet the minimum eligibility criteria for admission.
Application Procedure
Interested applicants should send an email expressing their interest along with scanned copies of their academic transcripts, CV, a brief statement of their research interests and a proposal that specifically links them to the research project. Candidates will need to commence prior to 01/05/2026.
Please send the email expressing interest to Leanne.Pearson@newcastle.edu.au by 5pm on 01 June 2026.
Applications Close 01 June 2026 Apply Now
- Contact: Dr Leanne Pearson
- Phone: 1300 275 866
- Email: Leanne.Pearson@newcastle.edu.au
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