Can Aotearoa New Zealand’s indigenous geothermal microorganisms help power the next generation of sustainable biomanufacturing?
This PhD project will investigate whether indigenous hydrogen (H₂)-oxidising bacteria (hydrogenotrophs) from Aotearoa New Zealand’s geothermal environments can be developed into next-generation production platforms for renewable hydrogen biomanufacturing.
Around the world, hydrogen-powered biotechnology is emerging as a transformative approach for converting renewable hydrogen and carbon dioxide into sustainable products, including protein-rich biomass for food and feed, chemicals, fuels, and advanced biomaterials. Yet most current technologies rely on a small number of model—often proprietary—microorganisms. In contrast, Aotearoa New Zealand’s geothermal ecosystems harbour a remarkable diversity of hydrogenotrophic extremophiles adapted to industrially relevant conditions, including elevated temperatures, acidic pH, and naturally hydrogen-rich environments. Despite their promise, their biotechnological potential remains largely unexplored.
The successful candidate will work with a unique collection of geothermal microbial isolates and specialised H₂-fed bioreactor systems to optimise microbial growth, hydrogen utilisation, carbon dioxide fixation, and the production of valuable bioproducts. Working within a highly collaborative, cross-disciplinary supervisory team, the student will help translate New Zealand’s unique geothermal biodiversity into real-world biotechnology with commercial and environmental impact.
Candidates from a range of relevant backgrounds are encouraged to apply. Prior experience in bioprocess engineering, fermentation, bioreactor operation, hydrogen-based bioprocesses, or microbial cultivation would be advantageous but is not essential. The preferred start date is early 2027, although an earlier start may be possible by mutual agreement.
Supervisors
Primary Supervisor: Carlo Carere
Other Supervisor(s): Matthew Stott
Key qualifications and skills
Applicants must have completed, or be eligible for admission to, a PhD programme at the University of Canterbury. A BE(Hons), BSc(Hons), MSc, or equivalent qualification in bioprocess engineering, microbiology, biotechnology, biochemical engineering, or a related discipline is preferred, together with evidence of significant prior research experience. Experience in microbial cultivation, gas fermentation, bioreactor operation, hydrogen-based bioprocesses, or analytical microbiology would be advantageous but is not essential.
Does the project come with funding
Per annum: Stipend of $32,650 plus PhD tuition fees. The project also has up to $5,000 available for research expenses across the duration of the degree.
Funding duration: Three years (360 points)
Final date for receiving applications
27 October 2026
How to apply
This is a UC Commitments Doctoral Scholarship and applications must be made through the Scholarship Portal in your myUC account. Emailed applications will not be considered. Find out more here: University of Canterbury Scholarship Portal - UC Commitments - Unlocking Aotearoa-New Zealand's Geothermal Hydrogenotrophs for Renewable Hydrogen Biomanufacturing
Keywords
bioprocess engineering; biotechnology; industrial biotechnology; microbial biotechnology; gas fermentation; bioreactors; hydrogen biotechnology; hydrogen biomanufacturing; hydrogen-oxidising bacteria; hydrogenotrophs; extremophiles; geothermal microorganisms; single-cell protein
