Rheology and Hydrodynamics of Algal and Cyanobacteria Co-Cultures

About the Project

This project aims to revolutionize algal biotechnology by developing predictive models for the rheological and hydrodynamic behavior of high-density mixed algal cultures. As industrial algal cultivation increasingly adopts co-cultivation strategies to enhance productivity and system resilience, understanding the complex interactions in mixed suspensions becomes critical for efficient photobioreactor design and operation. This project will utilize advanced rheological characterization and hydrodynamic analysis to optimize energy-efficient algal bioprocesses.The student will be part of the Algal Biosystems and Biotechnology Team and Climate Change Cluster at UTS, with significant collaborative research periods at IMT Nord Europe’s Center for Energy and Environment in Douai (France). This is an innovative international collaboration combining UTS's expertise in algal biotechnology with IMT's advanced hydrodynamic facilities. The project bridges cutting-edge laboratory research with real-world industrial-scale implementation, driving innovation from bench to industry.

Essential Requirements:

• Honours degree with First Class, or Second-Class Division 1, or
• MSc Research or MSc Coursework with a research thesis of at least 6 months, or
• Be regarded by the university as having an equivalent level of attainment
• Demonstrated experience in biotechnology, chemical engineering, process engineering, fluid mechanics, or related fields
• Strong background in at least one of: microbiology, rheology, fluid dynamics, or bioprocess engineering
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Demonstrated ability to learn quickly, work independently, and collaborate effectively in international teams
• High level of motivation and enthusiasm for interdisciplinary research, with a strong willingness to learn programming and acquire new skills.
• Ability to commence studies by September 2025
• Willingness to undertake extended research periods in France (6-12 months total)

Highly Desirable:

• Experience with microalgae cultivation
• Knowledge of rheological measurements or experimental fluid mechanics
• Programming skills for data and image analysis (MATLAB, Python, or similar)
• Previous international research experience

Who is eligible?

Applicants can be domestic student (either permanent Australian residents or New Zealand citizens). To be eligible for this application, applicants must have completed a UTS recognised degree in

• MSc Research or MSc Coursework with a research thesis of at least 6 months,
• or Bachelor Honours degree with 1st Class, or 2nd Class Division 1, or division 1 honours, or an equivalent or higher qualification,
• or submitted other evidence of general and professional qualifications that demonstrates potential to pursue graduate research studies.

How to apply

Please submit expressions of interest to Mathieu Pernice , mathieu.pernice@uts.edu.au

Required

Applicants should send their CV and list of publications to contact person’s email address by the closing date. The application process is currently open and will continue to be open until all positions have been filled. We highly encourage interested candidates to apply as soon as possible. Shortlisted candidates will be advised with further details.

For further Information on application essentials please visit UTS Graduate Research applications.

Funding Notes

Stipend Value $37,000 per year and additional funds ($7.5k) during the course of the PhD for PhD-related expenses. Duration 3.5 years