Engineering powders for next generation biologics
This PhD project is embedded in an ARC Linkage collaboration between Macquarie University, the University of Sydney and Aptar Pharma, a global leader in inhalation drug delivery systems.
Explore how dry powder carriers can be engineered to deliver low amounts of sensitive biologic drugs by inhalation. This project combines aerosol science, particle engineering and computational modelling with industry translation.
Key details
- 20268169
- PhD
- Applications close on 30 April 2026
- Domestic
- Medicine and health
- $39,700 p.a.
The research focuses on understanding how dry powder carrier particles can be designed to enable reliable delivery of biologic drugs such as peptides and proteins using next-generation dry powder inhalers.
The student will investigate how particle size, surface chemistry, formulation composition and dose loading influence aerosolisation, dispersion and lung deposition.
Experimental work will be combined with computational fluid dynamics to provide mechanistic insight into powder behaviour inside inhaler devices.
This project offers a rare opportunity to work at the academic–industry interface on technology directly relevant to future biologic medicines, contributing to inhalers that are:
- more efficient
- sustainable
- capable of delivering complex therapeutic molecules.
Availability
The scholarship is available to candidates eligible to undertake a direct entry three-year PhD program.
Awards will only be available to applicants who, at the time of application:
- are Australian citizens or Australian permanent residents
- meet Macquarie University’s PhD admission requirements
- hold a first-class honours degree or equivalent research experience.
Awards will not be available to those who:
- are enrolled in another PhD program
- do not meet domestic candidature requirements.
Award-holders may:
- undertake the scholarship on a full-time basis
- participate in collaborative laboratory research within the Respiratory Technology Group at the Woolcock Institute of Medical Research.
Components
The scholarship comprises:
- a tuition fee offset/scholarship
- a living allowance stipend.
The value of this stipend scholarship is $39,700 per annum (full time, indexed) for three years.
How to apply
Before submitting your application, submit an expression of interest (EOI) to Professor Daniela Traini at daniela.traini@mq.edu.au.
Your EOI should include:
- a CV
- academic transcripts
- a short statement of research interests and relevant experience.