Biomedical Sciences: Developing a modular synthetic bacteriophage engineering platform

Ko wai tātou? | Who are we?

Join a diverse, friendly and passionate team of researchers in the Division of Health who are focused on impactful microbiology research that supports better health outcomes.

He aha tā mātou mahi? | What do we work on?

Bacterial pathogens are a major cause of disease and contributor to poor health outcomes in Aotearoa and globally. Combined with the spread of antimicrobial resistance (AMR), many communities face significant health risks and impacts for which we are rapidly running out of effective treatment options.

Our mahi focuses on the use of bacteriophages (phages) as therapies for bacterial infections, particularly for extensively drug-resistant pathogens.

Mō te kaupapa o te tohu kairangi | About the PhD project

This fully funded PhD project will contribute to the development of a next-generation modular platform for engineering synthetic bacteriophages. Instead of relying solely on naturally occurring phages, synthetic phages offer the potential for rapid design, scalable production, and stronger commercial pathways—features that support long-term, sustainable phage therapies in Aotearoa and beyond.

The project will explore a combinatorial, parts-based framework for building phage genomes from modular components, enabling systematic testing and rapid prototyping of therapeutic candidates.

You will work in an interdisciplinary environment that spans synthetic biology, microbiology, molecular genetics, and computational design, with opportunities to build valuable skills in a rapidly expanding field.

Importantly—you do not need a strong computational background to apply.

The computational design work is supported by an international collaboration, and students who prefer hands-on wet-lab research can focus primarily on laboratory-based aspects of the project. Students who are interested in computational biology or AI-assisted design are also welcome to contribute to that part of the kaupapa.

Location

Hamilton Campus

Scholarship Value

Up to $30,000 per year for up to 36 months + domestic tuition fees and Student Services Fee

Ko wai ka tono? | Who should apply?

This fully-funded PhD is ideal for students who have interests in:

• Synthetic biology
• Microbiology
• Molecular genetics
• Biomedical innovation
• Computational or AI-assisted design (optional)

We strongly encourage applications from Aotearoa-based students. International candidates with excellent skills are also welcome, but preference will be given to NZ candidates.

Whether you’re driven by curiosity, want to contribute to future medicines, or are motivated by improving health outcomes for whānau and communities across Aotearoa, this project offers the chance to undertake cutting-edge biomedical research with a strong, forward-looking translational focus.

Applicants must be eligible to enrol for PhD study at the University of Waikato.