Development of a platform purification process for bacteriophages as an alternative to antibiotic

PhD Opportunity: Purification and Bioprocessing of Bacteriophages for Combatting Antibiotic Resistance

We are seeking a highly motivated PhD student to join our cutting-edge research team focused on the purification and bioprocessing of bacteriophages—a critical alternative in the global fight against antibiotic-resistant infections. As highlighted by recent reports from the World Health Organization (WHO), antibiotic resistance is an escalating crisis, projected to cause 10 million deaths annually by 2050. This growing threat has intensified the need for innovative treatments like phage therapy, which targets bacterial infections without contributing to the development of resistance.

About the Project:

This PhD project will focus on developing advanced chromatography techniques for the purification of therapeutic bacteriophages. The successful candidate will address major challenges in phage purification, such as endotoxin removal and scalability, while ensuring phage stability and efficacy. By contributing to the development of scalable, clinical-grade purification processes, you will play a pivotal role in shaping future treatments for one of the world’s most urgent health issues.

Key Responsibilities:

• Design and implement scalable purification processes for bacteriophages using cutting-edge chromatography techniques.
• Solve key challenges related to endotoxin removal, yield optimization, and maintaining therapeutic efficacy.
• Collaborate with a multidisciplinary team and contribute to both laboratory experiments and theoretical developments.
• Present research findings in scientific journals and conferences.

Supervision:

The successful candidate will join the Biomanufacturing Research Group at the University of Adelaide, under the supervision of Dr. Sha Liu. For more details about the research group, please visit our research page.

Facilities:

The University of Adelaide’s state-of-the-art biomanufacturing facilities are equipped to support your success. You will have access to:

• Bioreactors of various scales
• Continuous chromatography systems
• Multiple AKTA systems
• Advanced analytical tools, including HPLC, DLS, and GC-MS
• These world-class resources will enable you to drive innovation in bacteriophage purification and bioprocessing.

The University of Adelaide is one of Australia’s most prestigious institutions and a member of the Group of Eight, known for its research excellence.

Candidate Requirements:

We are looking for motivated individuals with:

• A Master's degree in Chemical Engineering, Process Engineering, Bioinformatics, Biotechnology, or a related field.
• Industry or research experience in relevant areas will be highly regarded.
• Strong laboratory and analytical skills, with a passion for addressing global health challenges.

Application Deadline and Scholarship:

• Application Deadline: January 1st, 2025
• Scholarship: The University of Adelaide offers competitive Research Scholarships of AUD 32,500 p.a., indexed annually. Outstanding candidates may apply for these scholarships as part of the application process.

How to Apply:

Please send a complete application, including a:

• Motivation letter
• CV
• Transcript of records
• Contact details of two academic references

Submit your application to sha.liu@adelaide.edu.au.

Apply now and become part of the next generation of pioneers working to combat one of the most pressing global health challenges!