Research focus: The Department of Biology at Hong Kong Baptist University (HKBU) invites applications for a PhD studentship (starting September 2026) in waste-to-resource innovation, with a focus on producing high-value platform chemicals from waste and industrial side streams. The research will convert locally relevant organic residues, process effluents, and carbon rich gases into valuable chemical intermediates and material precursors using biological and chemical pathways—including natural or engineered microbes and enzymes, biocatalytic upgrading, and integrated hybrid cascades. The emphasis is on practical, scalable solutions: careful feedstock characterization, smart reactor and process design, efficient and low solvent separations, and decision-making guided by life cycle and techno economic assessment.
Eligibility requirements: Eligible candidates should possess a strong background in microbiology, biochemistry, polymer science, or related disciplines, and a first-class bachelor's degree (or preferably a master's degree) in Biotechnology, Environmental Engineering, Biochemical Engineering, or a closely related field. Experience in laboratory techniques relevant to biopolymer production and characterization is highly desirable. Excellent written and oral communication skills in English are essential, as is the ability to work both independently and as part of a team.
Application procedure: Interested applicants should submit a single PDF file containing their Curriculum Vitae (CV), a Motivation Letter outlining research interests and relevant experience, and Academic Transcripts to Nirakar Pradhan (npradhan@hkbu.edu.hk).