Fully Funded PhD Opportunity in Computational Structural Biology and Protein Engineering

Location: The University of Adelaide (Australia)

Collaboration: Holocyte Pty Ltd & Neopuriph Pty Ltd

Scholarship: Approx. AUD $36,500 per annum (indexed annually)

Duration: 4-year PhD or 5.5-year integrated PhD

Start Dates: end-2026/early 2027 (4-year); Rolling (integrated)

Overview

The University of Adelaide, in collaboration with Holocyte Pty Ltd and its subsidiary Neopuriph Pty Ltd, invites applications for a fully funded PhD scholarship for outstanding candidates passionate about Structural Biology, Computational Chemistry, and Protein Engineering.

Supervision Team

Dr. Lukas Gerstweiler (Principal Supervisor, University of Adelaide) – Protein engineering and computational biodesign
Prof. Alois Jungbauer (Co-Supervisor) – Intermolecular affinity and downstream processing
Tocvic Meng (Industrial Co-Supervisor, Holocyte) – Enzymatic catalysis

Project Overview

Recent advances in machine learning—exemplified by AlphaFold—have revolutionised protein structure prediction. This project integrates protein engineering, enzymatic catalysis, and computational chemistry to develop innovative algorithms for artificial protein design, including computer-assisted protein optimisation and de novo protein design (e.g., artificial hydrogenases).

Candidate Profile

Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Life Sciences, Chemistry, Biochemistry, Chemical Engineering, or related fields. Strong background in mathematics, organic chemistry, biochemistry, molecular biology, and computational science. Proficiency in C/C++, Mathematica, and basic programming (CUDA desirable).