PhD Position: Next-Generation Biomanufacturing - Development of Yeast-Based Continuous Bioprocess (Upstream/Downstream)

Project Overview:

As biomanufacturing industries evolve, there is a significant shift from batch processing to continuous, integrated manufacturing. This transition aims to reduce production costs and enhance product consistency. While continuous biomanufacturing has mainly focused on expensive mammalian cell cultures for antibody production, this project will explore an alternative, cost-effective approach using yeast expression systems such as Pichia pastoris and Saccharomyces cerevisiae. We aim to create a fully continuous, end-to-end integrated and automated platform for the future of biopharmaceuticals and food production.

The project's focus will be tailored in collaboration with the selected candidate, with potential focus including:

- Modelling and optimizing non-affinity continuous periodic counter-current chromatography.

- Developing state-wide process control systems.

- Continuous upstream processing using P. pastoris/S. cerevisiae.

- Continuous buffer exchange 

We are seeking highly creative candidates who can contribute their own ideas to this cutting-edge research.

Supervision:

The successful candidate will join the Biomanufacturing Research Group, led by 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/Mechanical/Electrical Engineering, Bioinformatics, Biotechnology, or related fields. Industry or research experience will be highly regarded.

Application Deadline and Scholarship:

- Application Deadline: December 1st, 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 lukas.gerstweiler@adelaide.edu.au

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