Analytical Chemistry

Optimizing mRNA Purification: Advanced Chromatography Techniques for Enhanced Binding, Mass Transfer, and Purity

Adelaide University

Not stated

Location
Adelaide, Australia, Australia
Funding
Funded PhD Project (Students Worldwide)
Application deadline
Year-round applications

About the project

About the Project PhD Scholarship in mRNA Purification and Process Optimization on Oligo dT Chromatography Adelaide University, School of Chemical Engineering, Biomanufacturing Research Group Are you passionate about revolutionizing biopharmaceutical manufacturing? Join our cutting-edge research group at Adelaide University to tackle the challenges of mRNA purification using advanced oligo dT chromatography techniques. This fully funded PhD position focuses on investigating mRNA binding, mass transfer, and purity enhancement on both convective and non-convective columns, with applications in vaccine and gene therapy production. You'll conduct hands-on experiments, develop predictive models, and contribute to scalable processes that could transform global health solutions. Ideal candidates hold a Master's or strong Bachelor's in Chemical Engineering, Biotechnology, or related fields, with experience in chromatography or bioprocessing. We're seeking innovative thinkers eager to publish in top journals and collaborate internationally. Supervisor : Dr Lukas Gerstweiler ( lukas.gerstweiler@adelaide.edu.au ) Research Group : Biomanufacturing Research Group, School of Chemical Engineering, Adelaide University More Information : https://set.adelaide.edu.au/chemical-engineering/our-research/bioprocess-engineering/biomanufacturing-research-group Eligibility : Applicants should hold (or expect to obtain) a strong Master's or First-Class Honours Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering, Biotechnology, Bioprocess Engineering, or a related discipline. English Language Requirements : International applicants require IELTS (minimum 6.5 overall, no band below 6.0) or equivalent TOEFL score. Application Process : Interested candidates should first send an expression of interest to Dr Lukas Gerstweiler ( lukas.gerstweiler@adelaide.edu.au ) including a CV, academic transcripts, and a brief statement of research interests. Suitable candidates will be invited to submit a formal application for admission and scholarship via the Adelaide University research degree portal (adelaideuni.edu.au). Deadline : 1 February 2026 (for scholarship consideration in relevant rounds; contact supervisor as soon as possible). Join a dynamic group at the forefront of biopharmaceutical innovation—your research could shape the future of vaccines, gene therapies, and sustainable protein production!

Research areas

AnalyticalChemistryArtificialIntelligenceBioengineeringBiotechnologyChemicalEngineeringChemicalPhysicsEngineeringMathematicsIndustrialChemistryManufacturingEngineeringMathematicalModellingOptimizingmRNAPurification:AdvancedChromatographyTechniquesforEnhancedBinding,MassTransfer,andPurity