Black soldier flies for synbio waste control
This Macquarie University BioInnovation Initiative scholarship focuses on developing industrially relevant synbio tools and novel capabilities in Black soldier flies (BSF).
The selected student will work as part of an interdisciplinary team with a proven track record of innovation in animal synthetic biology and have access to state-of-the-art molecular biology labs, controlled environment facilities, and microinjection equipment.
Key details
- 20247012
- PhD
- Applications close 31 October 2025
- Domestic, International
- Medicine and health, science
- $39,700 p.a.
Black soldier flies (BSF, Hermetia illucens) are increasingly used for waste management on industrial scales. BSF larvae are reared on a wide range of minimally processed organic waste streams. The pupae are rich in both high-quality lipids and proteins which are used as animal feed ingredients and the remaining frass can be applied as a fertiliser.
Developing BSF into a synthetic biology platform would enable engineering BSF to be reared on a wider variety of feedstocks and to produce much higher value products. Engineered BSF strains could help support regional economies, divert wastes from landfills, and help support a more sustainable circular economy.
About the scholarship
The PhD student will independently and with support from advisors and fellow lab members, plan and execute studies for implementing an ambitious insect synthetic biology project.
We offer training and expertise in:
- molecular biology
- synthetic biology
- insect transgenesis
- microbiology
- biochemistry.
The research labs supporting this project are members of the ARC Centre of Excellence in Synthetic Biology (CoESB) and have extensive collaboration networks that can be drawn on.
The scholarship is available to candidates eligible to undertake a direct entry three-year PhD program.
The project would suit applicants who are self-motivated, eager to collaborate across biology and chemistry, and willing to embrace exciting new challenges.
Applicants must have some experience with molecular cloning methods and a solid foundation in two of the following fields of research:
- biochemistry
- molecular or synthetic biology
- microbiology
- entomology.
The scholarship comprises:
- a tuition fee offset
- a living allowance stipend.
The value of the stipend scholarship is $39,700 per annum (full-time, indexed) for up to four years.
Before submitting your application, contact:
- Associate Professor Maciej Maselko at maciej.maselko@mq.edu.au.
Provide the following:
- A short message introducing yourself, why you are interested in this area of research, and what aspect of BSF synbio you would like to focus on.
- A CV.