This scholarship will be based within Griffith University’s Institute for Biomedicine and Glycomics, a multidisciplinary biomedical research institute that brings together expertise in discovery and translational research, advanced infrastructure and research training. Candidates will join a collaborative and well-equipped research environment that supports innovation from fundamental discovery through to applied and translational outcomes. The successful applicant will be based at Griffith University’s Brisbane South (Nathan) campus.

The Principal Supervisor for this project, Associate Professor Yun Feng, is a Research Leader at Griffith University’s Institute for Biomedicine and Glycomics whose research focuses on natural products, marine microbiology, and biotechnology. Her work uses bioactive compounds from nature to advance treatments for neurological diseases and develop innovative solutions for animal health, food safety, and agriculture.

We are currently looking for a PhD candidate to undertake research on the mode of action of marine Bacillus probiotics using advanced multi-omics approaches. This project forms part of a larger collaborative research initiative between Griffith University, Bioproton Pty Ltd and the Marine Bioproducts Cooperative Research Centre (MBCRC).

The project provides an opportunity to develop high-level skills in microbiology, probiotic research, metabolomics, microbiome analysis, bioinformatics and systems biology, while working in a collaborative academic–industry environment. The successful candidate will engage with industry partners and MBCRC to gain insight into product development, regulatory requirements and commercial translation, and will be supported to disseminate research outcomes through publications, presentations and collaborative activities relevant to Australia’s growing marine bioproducts sector.

This position is primarily based at Griffith University Brisbane South (Nathan). As Griffith is a multi-campus University you may be required to work across other campus locations. Griffith University’s sites are located on the lands of the Yugarabul, Yuggera, Jagera, Turrbal, Yugambeh and Kombumerri peoples.

The successful applicant should have a strong academic background in microbiology, biotechnology, biochemistry, molecular biology, bioinformatics, or a related discipline. You will have evidence of curiosity, initiative and a strong interest in applying advanced research methods to understand host–microbe interactions and the mechanisms underpinning probiotic efficacy. The successful applicant will be expected to work both independently and as part of a collaborative research team, communicate effectively with academic and industry partners, and contribute to publications, presentations and project reporting.

• Expressions of interest are welcome from domestic and onshore international applicants and international applicants. If you are an international applicant who is currently offshore please consider the viability of travelling costs before submitting an expression of interest. Please see the FAQs web page for requirements for offshore international applicants.
• Applicants must have completed, or expect to complete, a bachelors degree with First Class Honours (H1) or equivalent, or a master's degree (AQF Level 9) with a substantial research component demonstrating academic excellence. Honours Class 2A or equivalent are encouraged to apply. Masters degree incorporating a significant research component of a standard comparable to a bachelor honours degree or be regarded by Griffith University as having an equivalent level of attainment in accordance with the Equivalent qualifications for HDR program admission. For further information on the eligibility requirements for the program refer here.

Applicants are advised that the following skills are highly desirable:

• Strong analytical and problem-solving, with the ability to design and conduct independent research.
• Experience with microbiome analysis, next-generation sequencing, bioinformatics, molecular microbiology, cell culture, immunological assays, metabolomics or systems biology approaches.
• Experience working in industry, clinical, translational or collaborative research environments.
• Evidence of competitive scholarships, academic awards or research excellence prizes.
• Programming and data analysis skills

About the scholarship
This scholarship is a MBCRC PhD scholarship providing a stipend of AUD $60,000 per annum for a period of up to 3.5 years, subject to satisfactory progress and continued enrolment in the doctoral program. The scholarship is intended to support a full-time PhD candidate undertaking this industry-linked research project.

The scholarship will be awarded in accordance with Griffith University’s higher degree research scholarship conditions and any applicable project funding requirements.

What Griffith offers
As a scholarship holder, you will study with Griffith University that ranks among the top 2% worldwide and spans across campuses in South East Queensland. At Griffith University, we’ve worked hard to create a culture that will challenge you to be curious, creative and courageous. We also support the professional and personal development of all our HDR candidates and invest in the skills of our people. Griffith University values diversity, inclusion and flexibility and we encourage Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander, and people of all backgrounds to apply. Griffith's strategic goals are to also increase the proportion of women in senior academic and administrative roles and in Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics and Medicine (STEMM).

At the Institute for Biomedicine and Glycomics, you will join a collaborative and multidisciplinary research environment with access to experienced supervisors, advanced laboratory facilities and expertise across microbiology, natural product chemistry, bioanalysis, glycomics, metabolomics and translational biomedical research. The Institute provides a supportive setting for HDR candidates to develop as independent researchers while engaging with interdisciplinary teams and external partners.

Through this project, you will be supported to build technical and analytical capability in multi-omics approaches, microbiome and metabolomic data interpretation, probiotic mechanism-of-action studies and industry-relevant research translation. The project will also provide opportunities to interact with Bioproton Pty Ltd and MBCRC, enabling you to gain practical insight into industry-led research priorities, product development pathways, regulatory considerations and commercial translation. You will also have opportunities to contribute to publications, present findings to academic and industry audiences, and gain experience working within a research program connected to Australia’s emerging marine bioproducts sector.

EOI Process
Please do not select the “APPLY” button. All expressions of interest must be submitted to Associate Professor Yun Feng at  '[email protected]', containing:

• Statement addressing your suitability for the project/scholarship
• Evidence that you have completed a program with the required grades as detailed in the ‘About you’ section
• A curriculum vitae (CV)
• Names and contact details of two referees

Closing date for expressions of interest is: Friday 28 August 2026 5pm AEST

The preferred applicant will then be invited to apply for the program and scholarship on-line

For project related enquiries please contact:
Associate Professor Yun Feng
Email: [email protected]

For administration enquiries please contact:
Griffith Graduate Research School
Email: [email protected]