Australia Awards Scholarships 2024 and the application procedure

Australia Awards Scholarships(AAS)for study commencing in 2025 About Australia Awards Scholarships Australia Awards Scholarships (AAS) are a set of long-term programs sponsored by the Australian Government's Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT). The primary objective of these scholarships is to support the development needs of Australia's partner countries, in line with bilateral and regional agreements. This award program provides full-time undergraduate or postgraduate study opportunities for future global leaders from developing countries, particularly those located in the Indo-Pacific region, Asia, Africa, and the Middle East, at participating Australian universities and Technical and Further Education (TAFE) institutions. The study and research opportunities provided by Australia Awards Scholarships aim to develop individuals' skills and knowledge to drive change and contribute to their countries' development. In a nutshell, the Aus

Engineering high-efficiency light-driven synthetic biology

                                          Fully funded PhD scholarships in Australia

About the position

Project: Engineering high-efficiency light-driven synthetic biology, University of Queensland, Australia

This is an Earmarked Scholarship project. The Earmarked Scholarship project is aligned with the recently launched awarded Category 1 research grant. It offers the eligible candidate the opportunity to work with leading researchers and contribute to large projects of national significance.

This Engineering high-efficiency light-driven synthetic biology PhD project is focused on the development of high-efficiency light-driven single-cell green algae (microalgae) cell lines that can produce hydrogen fuel from water as well as high-value molecules using advanced genetic “plug-and-play” molecular biology techniques.

Building on extensive foundational work, the project will involve the design of expression vectors, cell transformation and screening, creation of specific point mutants and gene knockouts using CRISPR and their characterisation (e.g. photosynthetic physiology, H2 production). The project may extend to techno-economic analyses of scaled-up designs and lab-scale validation of the proposed industrial processes.

scholarship Overview

  • Funding type: Full tuition fee cover
  • Stipends: $29,863 per annum tax-free (2023 rate), indexed annually
  • Health Insurance: Single Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC)
  • Degree Program: PhD 
  • Field of study: Molecular biology, Biochemistry
  • Location:  University of Queensland, Australia
  • Citizen type: International students/ All countries eligible
  • Award Duration: up to 3.5 years, with possible 1 extension
  • Commencement date: 14 April 2023
  • Application Deadline: Apply latest 3 months before the commencement date

Selection Criteria

The successful applicants will be selected on a competitive basis. The Preferred educational background considered for this position includes the followings: 
  • previous academic record
  • publication record
  • honours and awards
  • employment history.
The successful candidate is expected to have a solid grounding in one or more of the following areas:
  • Molecular biology: including cloning, the transformation of microbial systems, and assessment of transgenes using PCR.
  • Biochemistry: Microbial physiology assays, enzyme assays.
  • Finally, the successful candidate is expected to be interested in and committed to utilizing microbial biotechnology and synthetic biology systems for real-world applications of benefit to local and global communities.
The applicant will demonstrate academic achievement in the field(s) of molecular biology and biochemistry and the potential for scholastic success.

A background or knowledge of microalgae cultivation and/or techno-economic modelling (i.e. mathematic analysis and/or modelling) is highly desirable.

How to apply

Before applying for these scholarships, applicants must check the latest commencement date and ensure they can meet the timeframes. If you are a successful candidate, you must commence by Research Quarter 2, 2023. Applicants must equally apply at least 12 weeks prior.

Earmarked scholarships are awarded to support Category 1 project grants. To apply for this scholarship, interested applicants should  follow the steps below:
  1. Secure supervision. Contact the project supervisor to discuss your interest. (See the principal supervisor details below)
  2. Get your documents ready. Prepare your documentation
  3. Apply. In your application, under the 'Scholarship and Collaborative study' section, select:
  • ‘My higher degree is not collaborative’.
  • 'I am applying for, or have been awarded a scholarship or sponsorship'.
  • UQ Earmarked Scholarship type
Contact details for the potential supervisor
The principal supervisor for this project is Professor Ben Hankamer, School of Chemistry and Molecular Biosciences. If you are interested in this project, kindly send an expression of interest email to the principal supervisor via b.hankamer@imb.uq.edu.au.

Further information

For other inquiries about these scholarships, applicants can contact the University of Queensland graduate school. See details below

UQ Graduate school
Phone: (07) 3346 0503

Contact Project Supervisor
Professor Ben Hankamer,
School of Chemistry and Molecular Biosciences
Email: b.hankamer@imb.uq.edu.au

Visit the University website for further details and apply
(Also apply for the University of Queensland Graduate Scholarships(UQGSS), Multiple fully funded Masters and PhD scholarships)

Pro-tips for research scholarship applications

The followings are some helpful links to browse through. They include tips and guides on how to successfully apply for research Masters and PhD scholarships and admissions to study in Australia. 
These are just some essential elements that any international student thinking to study abroad must be aware of especially when applying for research degree programs abroad. 

This includes information about :

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