High-throughput identification of biotechnologically-valuable enzymes and transporters PhD Scholarship

Two full-time funded PhD scholarship opportunities are available in the Synthetic Physiology Laboratory at Flinders University. The laboratory applies bioengineering/synthetic biology to identify biotechnologically-valuable enzymes and membrane transporters. Further information about the Synthetic Physiology laboratory can be found on these websites: http://www.janovjak-lab.com/ and https://www.flinders.edu.au/people/harald.janovjak.

The laboratory and Prof Harald Janovjak have relocated from Monash University to Flinders University in January 2022.

In two PhD projects the laboratory aims to develop next-generation genetic and protein technologies to study enzymes and transmembrane transporters from bacteria and alga. These new technologies will enable identifying the molecular function of valuable proteins on an unprecedented scale (e.g., for the first time on a genome-wide ‘omics’ scale). Methods applied during the projects include high-throughput gene engineering, next-generation sequencing, in vitro translation and functionally assays. For further information about the research projects, please contact Prof Harald Janovjak (see below for contact information).

Two scholarships are available that will focus both on establishing next-generation technologies as well as applying the technologies to study microbial and algal metabolism.

These research projects will be conducted at Flinders University (Bedford Park, SA) under the supervision of Prof Harald Janovjak. The scholarships include opportunities to participate in national and international conferences and overseas research collaboration (Germany, USA).

Each scholarship includes:

• A stipend valued $30,000 per annum (tax free) and additional top-up scholarships awarded for 3 1/2 years; and
• A Research Training Program Fee Offset Scholarship to cover tuition fees for Australian citizens, New Zealand citizens and permanent residents.

To be eligible for the award of a scholarship applicants must:

• Be an Australian citizen; or a New Zealand citizen; or have been granted permanent resident status; and
• Meet PhD admission requirements, including an Australian Honours degree Class 1 or 2A or equivalent qualification, including a research component of at least 6 months full-time study achieving Distinction (75%); or including evidence of research experience; and
• Be available to commence as a full-time PhD student at Flinders University in Semester 1 or 2, 2022.
• Experience with biology laboratory methods (e.g., bacterial and mammalian cell culture) is desired but not required. Students with a background in biology, physics, chemistry or engineering are encouraged to apply.