PhD Opportunity – Solar-Driven Biocatalysis: Development of Cytochrome P450 Enzyme Systems for Pharmaceutical Synthesis in Microalgae

Applications are being sought from suitably qualified graduates for a scholarship to work on an industry project supported by a collaboration with a major pharmaceutical company and the University of Copenhagen.

At a glance
Available to: Future Student
Level of study: Postgraduate Research

Citizenship:
Australian, Permanent Residents or NZ citizen
International student

Award value:
Living allowance stipend equivalent to the APA rate, indexed annually.

About The Award

The Institute of Molecular Bioscience and School of Chemistry and Molecular Biosciences at The University of Queensland are jointly offering a PhD scholarship in the application of cytochrome P450 enzymes in light-driven biocatalytic systems using microalgae. Potential students with an Honours or Masters degree in Biochemistry or Chemistry are encouraged to apply. The scholarship will be for three years with the possibility of a six-month extension and is subject to the UQ Research Scholarship General Conditions.

About the project:
The project will involve the development of microalgal systems for using cytochrome P450 enzymes as biocatalysts in the pharmaceutical industry. The research is aimed at gaining a fundamental understanding of the way in which P450 catalysis can be supported by photosynthesis as well as how such systems can be customised for industrial application. The research is supported by an industry-funded collaboration and will involve frequent interactions with the industry partner.

Qualifications:
Candidates must already hold, or be awarded by June 2019, an Honours or Masters degree in Biochemistry, Chemistry, Biotechnology or Plant Molecular Biology. Advanced undergraduate training in biological chemistry and/or enzymology is strongly preferred. Skills in HPLC analysis of small molecules, demonstrated expertise in working with redox biochemistry, cytochrome P450 enzymes and/or microalgae, and industrial research experience are highly desirable.

Domestic and international applicants are welcome to apply. For international applicants the award of the scholarship is conditional upon the applicant receiving a UQI tuition fee waiver from UQ.

How To Apply

Information about the general process for applying for PhD study at UQ is available on the UQ Graduate School website.

For further details on how to apply for this scholarship please contact the Postgraduate Admininistrative Officers for either the School of Chemistry and Molecular Biosciences (rhd@scmb.uq.edu.au) or the Institute for Molecular Bioscience (postgrad-office@uq.edu.au).

Enquiries about further details about the project can be directed to Professors Elizabeth Gillam (e.gillam@uq.edu.au) or Ben Hankamer (b.hankamer@imb.uq.edu.au).

Applications close: 30th May, 2019

Before you apply, you are encouraged to read the definitive rules for this scholarship prior to application, in particular any specific eligibility conditions and check the FAQs if you have any questions.

Enquiries

Enquiries about further details about this scholarship can be directed to e.gillam@uq.edu.au or b.hankamer@imb.uq.edu.au.