Microbial synthetic biology
The Australian Genome Foundry is a synthetic biology research and start-up incubation facility (biofoundry) which aims to catalyse innovation and translation in Australian synthetic biology research and commercialisation.
The Australian Genome Foundry at Macquarie University offers domestic and international scholarships for innovative microbial synthetic biology projects addressing decarbonisation, circular economy and biomanufacturing.
Key details
- 20235715
- PhD, MRes + PhD
- Applications close on 31 July 2026
- Domestic, International
- Science
- $40,900 p.a.
Biofoundries are at the forefront of a paradigm shift in biological engineering globally and are able to accelerate synthetic biology experimentation and research by factors of 100 to 1000 through state-of-the-art automation platforms and high precision robots.
The Australian Genome Foundry (AGF) works alongside the ARC Centre of Excellence in Synthetic Biology (CoESB) and enables a productive and efficient pipeline for research and research outcomes.
About the scholarship
The selected students will work as part of a collaborative, world leading research team with a track record of innovation in microbial synthetic biology and will have access to cutting-edge microbiology and molecular biology PC2 lab facilities.
The PhD student will, independently and with support from advisors and fellow lab members, plan and execute studies for implementing an ambitious microbial synthetic biology project.
We offer training and expertise in:
- biochemistry
- microbiology
- molecular biology
- synthetic biology.
The research labs supporting this project are members of the CoESB and have extensive collaboration networks that can be drawn on.
Availability
This scholarship is available to eligible candidates to undertake either:
- a direct entry three-year PhD, or
- a four-year MRes + 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. Some of the research projects will involve collaboration with industry partners.
Applicants must have some experience with molecular cloning methods and a solid foundation in two of the following fields of research:
- biochemistry
- microbiology
- molecular biology
- synthetic biology.
Direct entry PhD scholarships are only available to applicants who meet the minimum PhD admission requirements, including completion of a master degree (or equivalent) and evidence of English language proficiency. See full PhD entry requirements.
Components
The scholarship comprises:
- a tuition fee offset/scholarship
- a living allowance stipend.
The value of this stipend scholarship is $40,900 per annum (full time, indexed) for up to four years.