Higher Degree by Research Application Portal

Exciting PhD Opportunity: Unravelling the Mysteries of Hop Oxidation in Beer Brewing.

Are you passionate about the science behind beer brewing and eager to make a significant impact on the global hop industry? We're seeking a motivated PhD candidate to join our cutting-edge research project exploring the complex world of hop oxidation and its effects on beer quality.

This project delves into the heart of a critical issue facing brewers worldwide: the oxidative degradation of hop acids, which can lead to undesirable flavours in beer. You'll focus on the popular Galaxy hop variety, known for its delightful peach and passionfruit, as a model to understand hop bitter acid sensitivity to oxidation.

As the successful candidate, you'll employ a combination of untargeted and targeted metabolomics to investigate the factors influencing hop oxidation. Your research will compare various hop cultivars, including those with established reputations for stability or sensitivity, and genetically related varieties. You'll have access to a unique experimental hop population of hundreds of genotypes, providing a rich dataset for your investigations.

Your work will contribute to:

• Identifying metabolites associated with oxidative sensitivity or stability in hops.
• Understanding the underlying biology driving hop sensitivity to oxidative degradation.
• Developing molecular or metabolomic markers for hop breeding programs.
• Improving hop quality and reducing waste in the brewing industry.

This multidisciplinary project combines elements of plant biology, biochemistry, and food science, offering you a chance to develop a diverse skill set. You'll work closely with industry partners and have the opportunity to make a real-world impact on hop production and beer brewing practices.

Ideal candidates will meet all of the required and desirable selection criteria, and have a keen interest in metabolomics and the brewing industry. 

Must have H1A or equivalent postgraduate thesis degree. Must meet English language requirements for enrolment. 

Required selection criteria:

Experience gathering, managing sample identity and data.

Familiarity with metabolomic data, storage, handling, analysis and presentation.

Experience/qualification in plant science, metabolomics or molecular genetic methods.

Sound understanding of biochemistry and/or plant secondary metabolites.

Strong verbal and written communication skills.

Understanding of WHS requirements and practices.

Ability to travel inter-state for extended periods of research placement.

Desirable criteria:

Experience separation techniques (LC, GC, GC-MS etc)

Interest in brewing or fermentation science

Interest in horticulture or post-harvest processing

Familiarity with statistical methods used in a research context

Adaptable to varied work places (field trials, process laboratory, office, research laboratory, academic institutions.

Submit your cv, together with your postgraduate certificate (showing grades) and a 300 word statement against the selection criteria. Submit your application as soon as possible (do not wait for the end date) to A/Prof Michael Considine <michael.considine@uwa.edu.au>

A/Prof Michael Considine <michael.considine@uwa.edu.au>

Up to two PhD scholarships will be available until filled.