About the Project
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.
This research program offers two pathways:
- 4-year PhD program – for applicants holding a Master’s degree (commencing end-2026/early 2027)
- 5.5-year integrated PhD program – for applicants entering directly from undergraduate studies (rolling admission)
Supervision Team
The successful candidate will be jointly supervised by experts from academia and industry, including:
- 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
Additional co-supervisors from leading US universities and industry partners—renowned for their expertise in computational protein prediction, enzyme design, and structural computation—will be announced soon.
Project Overview
Background
Recent advances in machine learning—exemplified by AlphaFold—have revolutionised protein structure prediction, accelerating discoveries in biomedical and molecular sciences. However, current models struggle to accurately simulate complex protein–protein interactions, enzyme–substrate dynamics, and de novo catalytic design.
Holocyte is pioneering the development of polysaccharide-based materials for medical and energy applications. The company seeks to design artificial hydrogenases capable of catalysing glucose conversion into valuable compounds such as sorbitol and alkanes. There is also strong demand for optimising affinity proteins to expand industrial applications.
Research Focus
This interdisciplinary project integrates protein engineering, enzymatic catalysis, and computational chemistry to develop innovative algorithms for artificial protein design. The goal is to bridge the gap between molecular simulation and experimental validation.
- Computer-Assisted Protein Optimisation (Entry-Level Goal) – Develop “triggerable” mechanisms for key functional protein domains by fusing stimulus-responsive modules.
- Examples:
- Temperature- or photoactivated inteins for protein purification
- pH- or salinity-responsive DNase/RNase enzymes for protein engineering
- Triggerable VHH antibodies for medical device applications
- De Novo Protein Design (Advanced Goal) – Design artificial enzymes from first principles to perform targeted catalytic reactions.
- Examples:
- Artificial hydrogenases utilising ethanol or hydrogen as donors to catalyse glucose-to-sorbitol or sorbitol-to-alkane conversions
- RNase-specific killer enzymes as novel tools for nucleotide production
Milestone Objective: Develop a generalised framework and software platform for artificial protein design—scalable, adaptable, and applicable across multiple research and industrial domains.
Scholarship Benefits
This scholarship offers a unique opportunity to contribute to cutting-edge research with strong academic and industrial integration. Candidates will:
- Work with globally recognised researchers and industry leaders
- Access advanced computational and experimental platforms
- Participate in projects with direct industrial and societal impact
- Bridge theoretical design and laboratory realisation—turning molecules on screen into reactions in the lab
Integrated PhD candidates may qualify for a joint degree between the University of Adelaide and a top-tier US university (details forthcoming).
Candidate Profile
We seek motivated, creative, and resilient individuals ready to tackle complex scientific challenges.
Required Background:
- Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Life Sciences, Chemistry, Biochemistry, Chemical Engineering, or related fields
- Strong academic performance and foundational knowledge in mathematics, organic chemistry, biochemistry, molecular biology, and computational science
Essential Knowledge:
- Structural biology, homology modelling, and ab initio molecular modelling
- Basic understanding of neural networks and machine learning principles
Preferred Knowledge:
- Quantum chemistry, molecular physics, and reaction kinetics
Skills:
- Proficiency in C/C++, Mathematica, and basic programming concepts (CUDA experience desirable)
- Familiarity with protein expression, molecular biology techniques, and standard bioinformatics tools
Personal Attributes:
- Strong curiosity, persistence, and independent problem-solving
- Effective teamwork and communication skills
- Commitment to high research integrity and continuous learning
Application Requirements
Applicants should submit:
- Personal Statement
- Official Transcripts and Degree Certificates (provisional accepted for current students)
- Letters of Recommendation: 3 for postgraduate applicants; 2 for undergraduates. Must be from academic supervisors or mentors
- Proof of English Proficiency (IELTS or TOEFL)
- GRE scores (required for integrated 5.5-year applicants)
- Publications (if applicable)
Submit Applications To: Dr. Lukas Gerstweiler – Lukas.gerstweiler@adelaide.edu.au
CC: application@holocyte.com
Deadline:
- 4-year PhD: August 31, 2026
- Selection Results: September 31, 2026
- Integrated Program: Open until filled
Funding Details
The University of Adelaide Research Scholarship (UARS) fully covers:
- Tuition and supervisory fees
- Research and equipment expenses
- Annual living allowance of AUD $36,500 (indexed)
- Support for up to 4.5 years (extension for project complexity)
For more details: University of Adelaide Research Scholarships
About the University of Adelaide
Ranked among the Top 100 universities worldwide (THE, 2022), the University of Adelaide offers world-class research infrastructure in one of the world’s most liveable cities. The School of Chemical Engineering, ranked No. 1 in Australia, is at the forefront of bioprocessing and biomanufacturing innovation.
Learn more: Faculty of Sciences, Engineering and Technology
Join Us
If you are driven by curiosity, skilled in computational modelling, and excited to shape the future of artificial enzyme design, this PhD is your opportunity to make a real scientific impact.
Apply today and be part of a transformative research journey bridging computation, chemistry, and biotechnology.
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