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Rheology and Hydrodynamics of Algal and Cyanobacteria Co-Cultures

University of Technology Sydney Faculty of Science
✓ Fully Funded 🎓 Biotechnology 🎓 Chemical Engineering 🎓 Environmental Science rheology fluid mechanics hydrodynamics algal biotechnology co-cultures photobioreactor design bioprocess engineering microalgae cultivation

Explore the complex rheological and hydrodynamic properties of mixed algal cultures. Develop models to optimize industrial photobioreactor design, combining lab research and industrial application in an international setting.

AI-generated overview

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Why This Research Matters

This research enables more efficient and resilient algal cultivation methods critical for sustainable biotechnology. By improving photobioreactor design, it has the potential to reduce energy consumption and enhance industrial-scale algal production, contributing to climate change mitigation and the development of renewable bioproducts.

Symbiosis Nutrition Microalgae Omics

Project Description

Project Overview

This project aims to revolutionize algal biotechnology by developing predictive models for the rheological and hydrodynamic behavior of high-density mixed algal cultures. As industrial algal cultivation increasingly adopts co-cultivation strategies to enhance productivity and system resilience, understanding the complex interactions in mixed suspensions becomes critical for efficient photobioreactor design and operation.

The project will utilize advanced rheological characterization and hydrodynamic analysis to optimize energy-efficient algal bioprocesses.

What You Will Do

The student will join the Algal Biosystems and Biotechnology Team and Climate Change Cluster at UTS, with significant collaborative research periods at IMT Nord Europe’s Center for Energy and Environment in Douai, France. The research combines UTS's expertise in algal biotechnology with IMT's advanced hydrodynamic facilities, bridging laboratory research and industrial-scale implementation.

Expected Outcomes

Development of predictive models contributing to improved photobioreactor design and operation for industrial algal cultivation that is more productive and resilient.

Why This Matters

Enhancing the efficiency and system resilience of algal cultivation through better understanding of rheology and hydrodynamics will support sustainable biotech applications and energy-efficient industrial processes, addressing climate change and environmental challenges.

Entry Requirements

Honours degree with First Class, or Second-Class Division 1, or MSc Research or MSc Coursework with a research thesis of at least 6 months, or equivalent; experience in biotechnology, chemical engineering, process engineering, fluid mechanics, or related fields; strong background in microbiology, rheology, fluid dynamics, or bioprocess engineering; excellent communication skills; ability to work independently and in international teams; motivation for interdisciplinary research; ability to start in September 2025; willing to undertake extended research periods in France (6-12 months).

How to Apply

Submit expressions of interest to Mathieu Pernice at mathieu.pernice@uts.edu.au with CV and list of publications. Application open until positions are filled. Early applications encouraged.

Eligibility

UK/Home
EU
International

Supervisor Profile

AP
Assoc Prof Mathieu Pernice
University of Technology Sydney, Faculty of Science
6109 Citations
43 h-index
Google Scholar

Assoc Prof Mathieu Pernice leads research at the University of Technology Sydney focusing on algal biotechnology and aquatic systems. His work involves understanding complex microbial interactions and their applications to environmental and industrial processes. He collaborates internationally to bridge laboratory and industrial-scale research, particularly in the areas of microalgae and photobioreactor technologies.

Key Publications

2020 451 citations
Emerging technologies in algal biotechnology: toward the establishment of a sustainable, algae-based bioeconomy
2011 409 citations
Evaluation of potential reference genes for reverse transcription-qPCR studies of physiological responses in Drosophila melanogaster
2021 403 citations
Heat stress destabilizes symbiotic nutrient cycling in corals
2012 328 citations
A single-cell view of ammonium assimilation in coral–dinoflagellate symbiosis
2020 245 citations
Coral reef survival under accelerating ocean deoxygenation

Research Contributions

Research has advanced understanding of algal biotechnology toward sustainable algae-based bioeconomy.
This contributes to sustainable bioresource development and green technologies.
Studies revealed how heat stress affects symbiotic nutrient cycling in corals.
Provides insight into coral bleaching mechanisms and reef ecosystem resilience.
Single-cell analysis shed light on ammonium assimilation in coral–dinoflagellate symbiosis.
Improves knowledge on nutrient exchange critical for coral health and survival.
Research unveiled coral reef survival challenges under ocean deoxygenation.
Informs climate change impact assessments and marine conservation strategies.

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