About the project:

We are seeking a highly motivated PhD student to join our research team focused on the purification and bioprocessing of bacteriophages, a key solution in the fight against antibiotic-resistant infections. Recent reports from the World Health Organization (WHO) and other global health bodies have highlighted the alarming rise in antibiotic resistance, with predictions estimating that by 2050, antibiotic-resistant infections could lead to 10 million deaths annually. This growing crisis has intensified the need for alternative treatments, such as phage therapy, which specifically targets bacterial infections without contributing to resistance.

This PhD project will explore the use of advanced chromatography techniques, for the purification of therapeutic phages. The aim is to address the major challenges in phage purification, such as endotoxin removal and scalability, while maintaining phage stability and efficacy. By contributing to the development of scalable, clinical-grade phage purification processes, the successful candidate will be directly involved in creating innovative solutions to address one of the most urgent global health threats.

Supervision:

The successful candidate will join the Biomanufacturing Research Group at the University of Adelaide, and will be supervised by Dr. Sha Liu and Dr. Lukas Gerstweiler. For more information, visit our research page (https://set.adelaide.edu.au/chemical-engineering/our-research/bioprocess-engineering/biomanufacturing-research-group).

Facilities:

Our state-of-the-art biomanufacturing facilities feature everything you need for success, including bioreactors of various scales, continuous chromatography systems, multiple AKTA systems, and advanced analytical tools such as HPLC, DLS, and GC-MS. It's a researcher's paradise!

The University of Adelaide is one of Australia's oldest and most prestigious Universities and part of the Group of Eight of research intensive Universities within Australia.

Student Requirements:

We are looking for motivated individuals with a Master's degree in Chemical Engineering, Process Engineering, Bioinformatics, Biotechnology, or related fields. Industry or research experience will be highly regarded.

Application Deadline and Scholarship:

- Application Deadline: December 31st, 2024

- Scholarship: The University of Adelaide offers competitive Research Scholarships of AUD 32,500 p.a. Candidates must apply to be considered for these scholarships.

Please send a complete application including motivation letter, CV, transcript of records etc. to sha.liu@adelaide.edu.au

Apply now and become part of the next generation of biomanufacturing pioneers!