Woolcock Institute of Medical Research 
Sydney, Australia Offer Summary
The Woolcock Institute of Medical Research in Sydney offers a full‑time, three‑year PhD in engineering dry powder carriers for biologic drug delivery. The project combines aerosol science, particle engineering and computational fluid dynamics to design inhalers that can reliably deliver peptides and proteins. It is part of an ARC Linkage collaboration with Macquarie University, the University of Sydney and Aptar Pharma, providing a unique academic‑industry interface. Eligible Australian citizens or permanent residents with a first‑class honours degree may apply. The scholarship covers tuition and a living stipend of $39,700 per annum (indexed).
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Project Description
This PhD project explores how dry powder carriers can be engineered to deliver low amounts of sensitive biologic drugs by inhalation, combining aerosol science, particle engineering, and computational modelling with industry translation.
The project is embedded in an ARC Linkage collaboration between Macquarie University, the University of Sydney, and Aptar Pharma, a global leader in inhalation drug delivery systems. The research focuses on understanding how dry powder carrier particles can be designed to enable reliable delivery of biologic drugs such as peptides and proteins using next-generation dry powder inhalers.
The student will investigate how particle size, surface chemistry, formulation composition, and dose loading influence aerosolisation, dispersion, and lung deposition. Experimental work will be combined with computational fluid dynamics to provide mechanistic insight into powder behaviour inside inhaler devices.
This project offers a rare opportunity to work at the academic–industry interface on technology directly relevant to future biologic medicines, contributing to inhalers that are more efficient, sustainable, and capable of delivering complex therapeutic molecules. .
It is a full-time opportunity including participation in collaborative laboratory research within the Respiratory Technology Group at the Woolcock Institute of Medical Research.
Scholarship details
This scholarship is available to eligible candidates to undertake a direct entry three-year PhD program. Applicants must, at the time of application:
- be an Australian citizen or Australian permanent resident;
- meet Macquarie University's PhD admission requirements;
- hold a first-class honours degree or equivalent research experience
- not be enrolled in another PhD prorgram
The scholarship comprises:
- a tuition fee offset/scholarship
- a living allowance stipend
The value of each stipend scholarship is $39,700 per annum (full time, indexed) for three years.
Before submitting your application, submit an expression of interest including your:
- CV
- academic transcripts
- a short statement of research interests and relevant experience
If you are interested in applying for this PhD opportunity and would like more information, please contact Professor Daniela Traini at daniela.traini@mq.edu.au.