Develop Next Generation Engineered Antiviral Coatings

A fully funded PhD scholarship is available as part of an ARC-funded research project at The University of Queensland’s Australian Institute for Bioengineering and Nanotechnology (AIBN). This project aims to develop environmentally friendly antiviral nanocoatings that offer broad-spectrum, long-lasting protection against existing and emerging viruses — a critical challenge in public health and biomedical science.

Under the supervision of Professor Megan O’Mara, you will join a multidisciplinary team using computational chemistry and biophysics to design and evaluate novel polymer-based materials that interact with viral structures at the molecular level. This research will contribute to the development of safe, scalable, and sustainable technologies that could be applied in personal protective equipment, medical devices, and high-contact surfaces.

Why AIBN?

As a PhD student at AIBN, you’ll be part of a leading research institute that integrates biology, chemistry, physics, and engineering to address complex global challenges. You’ll have access to cutting-edge facilities, expert mentorship, and opportunities to collaborate across disciplines.

This project is ideal for candidates with a background in computational chemistry, biophysical chemistry, biophysics, or a related field, who are motivated to apply simulation and modelling to real-world biomedical problems.