Job Description

We are looking for an awesome PhD student to join our research team to investigate how bacteriophages (phages) generate targeted mutations that enable them to evolve and infect new bacterial hosts. You will work on a groundbreaking project exploring novel phages that introduce reproducible mutations in specific genome regions but whose genomes lack any known mutagenesis system. You will be part of a project that utilises a combination of experimental and computational approaches to identify the genetic elements and proteins responsible.

This project is ideal for students with a background in molecular biology, microbiology, or genetics who are curious about phage biology and microbial evolution. You will be supported by a multidisciplinary team and have opportunities to collaborate internationally. The skills developed during this PhD will provide a strong foundation for careers in research, biotechnology, or microbial genomics.

As a PhD student, you’ll join the Flinders Accelerator for Microbiome Exploration (FAME) a dynamic, interdisciplinary research hub at Flinders University in Adelaide, South Australia. FAME brings together scientists from microbiology, genomics, computational biology, and clinical research to tackle frontier questions about the microbial world and its impact on health and the environment. You’ll be part of a collaborative, supportive, and fast-paced research environment with access to world-class facilities, mentorship, and international collaborations.

PhD programs in Australia are structured differently from many other countries. At Flinders University, the PhD is typically 3.5 years in duration, with no required coursework, allowing students to dedicate their full time and energy to research from the outset. This focused model is ideal for students who are eager to dive straight into experimental work, develop deep expertise, and make rapid progress toward publishing their findings and building a research career. With strong supervision, professional development opportunities, and a research-rich environment, you’ll be well-supported to achieve your goals and graduate with a competitive edge.

Why Choose This PhD?

Take your next step in science with a project that places you at the forefront of microbiome and phage evolution research. This project is part of an internationally connected network of researchers. You’ll collaborate with global leaders in phage biology, including opportunities to travel to the United States and Europe, returning with unique skills and tools not available anywhere else in Australia, further enriching our collaborative research environment. You’ll have direct access to cutting-edge technologies. This isn’t just theory—you’ll use these methods daily to uncover novel biological mechanisms and contribute to publications with real scientific impact. Our lab culture is collaborative, creative, and student-focused, with a strong track record of mentoring graduates into successful careers in research, industry, and beyond. We also recognise that a PhD is not just about the lab; it’s about where you live and work. Flinders University is based in Adelaide, South Australia, one of the most affordable and liveable cities in the country. You’ll enjoy easy access to beaches, national parks, and world-class food and wine regions, all while conducting high-impact research in a world-class academic setting.

How to apply

As part of your application, you will need to submit a brief (~500-word) research proposal outlining how you would approach the following project:

Investigating how bacteriophages generate targeted mutations to evolve and infect new bacterial hosts. Our lab has identified a group of novel phages that consistently introduce mutations in specific regions of their genome. These mutations appear to enhance host-range flexibility; however, the mechanism behind this targeted mutagenesis remains unknown. As a successful PhD candidate, you will help uncover the genetic elements and/or proteins responsible for this process. Your proposal should outline how you would begin to investigate this phenomenon, including possible experimental approaches, technologies you might use, and what types of data would support your hypotheses. You should draw on and cite relevant, current literature and propose methods involving molecular cloning, mutagenesis, or sequencing; however, we encourage you to be creative and critical in your thinking.

Please consider:

• How you might identify which part of the phage genome is responsible for the targeted mutations
• How you would test whether a particular gene or region is necessary or sufficient for this function
• What types of controls or validation would be required
• Any relevant tools or technologies you would want to use

In addition, please include a summary of your relevant skills, experience, and motivation for applying to this position. You may also want to mention any coursework, lab experience, or projects related to molecular biology, microbiology, genetics, or bioinformatics. If you’ve used techniques such as cloning, sequencing, or computational tools, please include those as well. We are especially interested in what excites you about phage biology, microbial evolution, or experimental research. You don’t need to have experience with all the methods (after all, this is a training position), but we’d love to hear how your background has prepared you to take on this project and what you hope to gain from the PhD.

You do not need to get everything right! We are looking for clarity of thought, logical reasoning, and evidence of your potential as an independent researcher. Remember, no prior phage experience is required, but an interest in microbial evolution or genetic systems is essential.

For more information, or to apply, contact Rob Edwards at robert.edwards@flinders.edu.au