PhD Scholarship in Biomedical Nanoengineering Laboratory – Nanoengineering a New Class of Biomaterials for Antibiotic Potentiation

Description

We are seeking an outstanding candidate for a PhD scholarship for an NHMRC funded project entitled: Nanoengineering A New Class of Biomaterials for Antibiotic Potentiation. This exciting project will be within the Biomedical Nanoengineering Laboratory (Flinders Health and Medical Research Institute, FHMRI) under the principal supervision of Dr Andrew Hayles (NHMRC Emerging Leadership EL1 Fellow). The Biomedical Nanoengineering Laboratory is an internationally recognized, cross-disciplinary team, spanning biomaterials, chemical engineering, nanotechnology, cell biology, microbiology and plasma science. The project is multidisciplinary with a primary focus on biomaterials science and a secondary focus on microbiology. The successful candidate will develop and characterize novel biomaterials with modified surface properties (chemistry and topography) and evaluate the physiological responses of pathogenic microorganisms such as biofilm-forming bacteria and fungi. 

The candidate will have the opportunity to undertake a 60-day industry-linked internship to further develop their skillset and elevate translational potential of their research. 

Biomedical Nanoengineering Laboratory Homepage:

Benefits

The scholarship includes:

• A stipend valued at $ 36,061 per annum (2026 rate) tax free. 

• The scholarship will be awarded for 3.5 years

• a Research Training Program Fee Offset Scholarship to cover tuition fees for Australian Citizens, NZ Citizens and Permanent Residents.

• For overseas students, the supervisor will provide support in applying for a tuition fee waiver.

Eligibility

• Demonstrated evidence of having meaningfully contributed to a research output in the field of biomaterials, chemical engineering, or adjacent (student thesis minimum, but preferred to have at least 1 publication in a Q1 journal). 

• Meet PhD admission requirements including: have an Australian Honours degree Class 1 or 2A or equivalent qualification (at least AQF Level 8), including a research component of at least 6 months’ full-time study achieving Distinction (75%) OR including evidence of equivalent research experience, such as a substantial first-author refereed publication or track record as an investigator on a competitive grant; and

• be available to commence as a full-time PhD student at Flinders University in semester 1, 2027; 

• Domestic students are preferred, but outstanding overseas candidates will also be considered.