ARC Training Centre for Biofilm Research and Innovation PhD Scholarship: Biofilm development and control in distribution systems

This project will be a collaboration with SA Water and will focus on biofilm development and control within chloramine treated potable water distribution systems.

ARC Training Centre for Biofilm Research and Innovation – Delivering innovative biofilm solutions

We are the leading Australian research and training centre tackling biofilm-related challenges.

The ARC Training Centre for Biofilm Research and Innovation, led by Flinders University is a 5 year, $7.8m research and training program, bringing together 5 universities, 10 industry partners and key industry and regulatory bodies to deliver innovative research and biofilm solutions to tackle one of the biggest issues for the maritime and water industries. The Centre is offering scholarship opportunities across 3 Australian universities (Flinders University, Swinburne University and the University of Tasmania) over the 5 year period.

Biofilms grow on all surfaces and environments, from catheters to drinking water pipes and ships. They are complex organisations of cells that grow on both living and inert surfaces and are both viscous and elastic in nature. They can be made up of a single species or comprise several species of different types of microorganisms, including those that pose a threat to either human health or our environment. Biofilm attachment and development cannot be prevented completely thus they cost billions each year to those attempting to eradicate them.

By working with industries to develop innovative solutions that meet their needs and alleviate their biofilm-related problems, the ARC Training Centre for Biofilm Research and Innovation aims to: transform biofouling management strategies for maritime platforms; train the next generation of interdisciplinary scientists and engineers; and to develop biofilm management strategies across the defence and water industries to address evolving regulatory stringency.

The ARC Training Centre for Biofilm Research and Innovation PhD scholarship program will support the development of a new generation of specialists and leaders in biofilm monitoring and control. Our students will have access to world-class training, professional development and mentoring and will have a unique opportunity to undertake collaborative research projects and training with our industry partners.

Working within a large research entity (including PhDs, post-doctoral researchers, university chief investigators and industry partner investigators), scholarship recipients will work closely with an industry partner organisation to undertake industry research. Scholarship recipients will have access to mentoring, training, professional and personal development through our unique Foundation Training Program and will undertake a 12-month industry placement.

Project Background

Increasingly water utilities are disinfecting drinking water using chloramine, the efficacy of which depends upon maintaining an optimum balance between chlorine, ammonia and pH. Nitrifying bacteria, which occur naturally in pipe biofilms, convert ammonia to nitrite and nitrate (nitrification) with a resultant loss in disinfection which presents a risk to public health. In extreme cases, these biofilms can also lead to microbial induced corrosion and pipe failure. As such the industry needs to have a better understanding the nitrifying biofilm ecology and determining the efficacy of current and novel interventions.

Proposed approach:

1.     Literature review of the nitrifying biofilm ecology within a chloramine treated potable water system to investigate the interactions between microbial communities, organic matter, disinfection decay and nitrification.

2.     Characterise the microbial communities from a chloramine treated potable system and determine the influence of communities on nitrification using laboratory scale studies and field sampling

3.     Examine the interaction between the microbial ecology and treatment processes using laboratory scale studies and field sampling

4.     Opportunisitically investigate factors promoting corrosion in these systems.

The candidate will complete PhD candidature including a minimum 12 month placement and industry training at South Australian Water Corporation during which time you will be embedded with the industry partner team. The industry placement will enable you to develop your network, gain insight into the everyday research practices of an industry-leading/service driven organisation and conduct the additional laboratory or on-site field trials required as part of this project.

This PhD Scholarship offers:

1.   $36,161 per annum tax free, for up to 3.5 years (full-time).

2.   Access to academic and industry expertise through joint supervision.

3.   A supportive environment to learn leading-edge research methods and become an expert in your area.

4.   The opportunity to manage a complex research project and respond innovatively to challenges.

5.   A collaborative research community where you can enhance your skills and build your network to progress your research career.

Support through the ARC Training Centre for Biofilm Research and Innovation Foundation Program including specialist training and development, and the opportunity to undertake a 12-month industry placement.

To be eligible for a PhD Scholarship you will need:

• To be an Australian citizen, New Zealand citizen, an Australian permanent resident or have, or are eligible to apply for, a relevant international visa; and
• Meet Flinders University PhD admission requirements – an Australian Honours degree Class 1 or 2A, a Master Degree, or equivalent qualification (at least AQF Level 8), or evidence of equivalent research experience, such as refereed publications or significant experience as a lead researcher; and
• Scholarship recipients are expected to take up their studies as soon as practicable within a timeframe specified by the Office of Graduate Research in consultation with the industry partner, up to maximum of 3 months from the time of acceptance of the scholarship.  In exceptional circumstances and with approval of the industry partner and the University, this time may be extended to 6 months; and
• Any other eligibility criteria relevant to the industry partner/research project (eg have or able to apply for a National Police Criminal History Check).

It is desirable for applicants to also have:

• Honours/Masters degree with a focus on Microbiology or Environmental Microbiology.
• Interest in working with an industry partner.
• Drivers licence.
• Interest in organising and conducting field work, including interstate.