Higher Degree by Research Application Portal

Engineering next-generation microbial factories for sustainable bioproduction

We are seeking a highly motivated PhD student to join an ambitious research program at the interface of bioprocess engineering, synthetic biology, and industrial biotechnology. The project focuses on developing ultra-fast-growing microbes into efficient, industrially relevant production platforms for high-value biochemicals from low-cost and sustainable feedstocks.

You will address one of the key challenges of the bioeconomy: translating cutting-edge metabolic engineering into robust, scalable, and economically viable bioprocesses. The work combines fundamental understanding with hands-on process development and industrially realistic constraints.

What you’ll work on

Design, optimisation, and scale-up of microbial bioprocesses from shake flasks to lab-scale bioreactors

Development of advanced fermentation strategies, including feeding regimes, pH and oxygen control, and cofactor balancing

Quantitative analysis of growth, substrate uptake, product formation, and by-products

Close integration of bioprocess data with parallel metabolic and genetic engineering efforts

Working with complex, real-world feedstocks such as hydrolysates or industrial side streams

What makes this project special

You will work with state-of-the-art bioreactor systems and gain genuine bioprocess intuition, not just follow protocols. The project provides a rare end-to-end perspective from genes to reactors, with strong relevance to industrial biotechnology and sustainability-focused applications.

What you’ll gain

By the end of the PhD, you will be able to independently design and run advanced bioprocesses, translate engineered strains into realistic production systems, and communicate complex datasets in high-impact publications. You will graduate as a bioprocess engineer equally comfortable with microbes, reactors, and real-world constraints—an in-demand profile in both academia and industry.

If you’re excited by building microbial factories that work beyond the textbook, this PhD will give you the skills and mindset to do exactly that.

First-Class Honours or Master’s degree in Bioprocess Engineering, Biotechnology, Chemical Engineering, Bioengineering, or a closely related field

Strong interest in microbial bioprocesses, fermentation technology, and translating engineered strains into scalable production systems

Experience with (or strong aptitude for) experimental work involving microbial cultivation, fermentation, or quantitative biological data analysis

Bonus: prior exposure to bioreactors, process control (pH/DO/feeding), metabolic flux analysis, or working with complex feedstocks

Submission of Application: Complete the Google Forms application, providing personal details, educational background, a short CV, and a statement of research interests.

Interview: Shortlisted candidates will be invited for an online interview.

Deadlines:

Application Opens: 10 Dec, 2025

Application Deadline: Open until positions are filled

Interview Period: Ongoing (If you do not hear from us within 7 days your application was unsuccessful)

For further inquiries, applicants can contact the PI at georg.fritz@uwa.edu.au