Flinders and Nourish Ingredients Industry PhD Scholarship: Medical Biotechnology, Microbial bioprocessing

Change lives and change the world with impactful PhD research co-funded by Flinders and Nourish Ingredients Pty Ltd.

Flinders University and Nourish Ingredients are offering an Industry PhD Scholarship to undertake innovative research into Medical Biotechnology, Microbial bioprocessing.

Flinders College of Medicine and Public Health and Nourish Ingredients Pty. Ltd. are collaborating on this research project to develop oleaginous fungi for their ability to produce higher lipid yields and proteins to make animal-free fats.  Bringing significant industry experience to the project, Nourish ingredients is a well- respected/dynamic organisation who has expertise in lipid engineering science and precision fermentation for creating sustainable products that are kinder to earth and animals.  Flinders College of Medicine and Public Health is also committed to the production of novel fatty acid compositions for producing animal-free fats and has complimentary research strengths in bioprocessing, lipid fermentation, and protein biotechnology.  Together we are seeking innovative solutions to this challenging area of research through this PhD project. 

This inspiring project involves:

·         Biosynthesis of lipids through advance bioprocessing approach and validating role of novel fats and proteins in health substantiation. The project seeks to develop oleaginous fungi for their ability to produce higher biomass and enhanced lipid production suitable for developing meat-like flavours. The project will involve skills development in lipid biotechnology, precision fermentation, enzyme technology, downstream processing, food safety, regulatory affairs, transcriptomics and lipidomics, and protein biotechnology

The Flinders and Nourish Ingredients Industry PhD Scholarship also includes an internship of at least 60 full-time equivalent days, agreed to in written form within 18 months of candidature, undertaken and completed prior to completion of the PhD, during which you will be embedded with the industry partner team, developing your network, and gaining insight into the everyday research practices of an industry-leading/service driven organisation.

This Scholarship offers:

·         $40,000 per annum tax free, for up to 4 years

·         Supervised by academics and mentoring from an industry partner

·         The Plus Program: Gain experience of rigorous, leading-edge research in a business context through regular training sessions

·         Being surrounded by peers from the three SA Universities working on complementary projects offering mutual support, peer to peer learning

·         Access to academic and industry expertise through joint supervision

·         The opportunity to manage a complex research project and respond innovatively to challenges

·         A collaborative research community where you can enhance your skills and build your network to progress your research career. 

To be eligible for the Scholarship you will need:

·         to be an Australian citizen, New Zealand citizen, an Australian permanent resident or have, or are eligible to apply for, a relevant international visa; and

·         meet Flinders University PhD admission requirements – an Australian Honours degree Class 1 or 2A or equivalent qualification (at least AQF Level 8), or evidence of equivalent research experience, such as refereed publications or significant experience as a lead researcher; and

·         Scholarship recipients are expected to take up their studies as soon as practicable (ideally before 1 December 2022) within a timeframe specified by the Office of Graduate Research in consultation with the industry partner, up to maximum of 3 months from the time of acceptance of the scholarship. 

·         Any other eligibility criteria relevant to the industry partner/research project (eg have or able to apply for a National Police Criminal History Check)

It is desirable for applicants to also have:

·         First class honours in biotechnology (H1 or H2A), with relevant experience in bioprocessing or

·         Master in Biotechnology (HD or D) with research experience in bioprocessing that involves growing microbes, fermentation, and purification of metabolites.

Candidates with publications in nominated area of research would be preferred.