01 Who we look for

We host researchers at multiple career stages. Strong candidates typically combine scientific curiosity with rigorous experimental practice; computational or programming literacy is welcomed but not required.

• PhD students with backgrounds in molecular biology, biochemistry, metabolic engineering, chemical engineering, fermentation/bioprocess engineering, or related disciplines.
• Master's and undergraduate students for research internships or final-year projects (typically 4–12 months).
• Visiting scientists from collaborating institutions worldwide.

02 Funding pathways

Most students are co-supervised under one of the following A*STAR or partner-university scholarship schemes. Please check the official pages for current eligibility and deadlines.

• A*STAR Graduate Scholarship (AGS) — for Singapore citizens and PRs.
• A*STAR Research Attachment Programme (ARAP) — joint PhD between A*STAR and an overseas partner university.
• Singapore Research Attachment Programme (SRAP) — short-term research attachments at A*STAR for overseas students and researchers.
• Joint PhD programmes with NUS, NTU, and SIT — students hosted in our lab while the degree is awarded by the partner university.
• Postdoctoral fellowships including the A*STAR Career Development Fund and Marie S. Curie / national fellowships from the candidate's home country.

03 Example projects

Active project areas a new student might join — projects are tailored to each candidate's background and interests:

• Engineering CO₂- and methanol-utilising microbial cell factories for autotrophic biomanufacturing.
• Designing biosynthetic pathways for terpenoids, carotenoids, and apocarotenoid flavours and fragrances.
• CRISPR-based and AI-guided strain engineering platforms for high-yield production.
• Bioprocess optimisation, fermentation scale-up, and techno-economic analysis.
• Bio-upcycling of PET plastic waste and other circular bioeconomy feedstocks.

04 How to apply

Email Dr. Zhang directly at congqiang_zhang@a-star.edu.sg. Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis.

• Curriculum vitae (with publications and key technical skills).
• A brief research statement (≤1 page) describing your interests and how they connect to the lab's themes.
• Names and contact details of 2–3 referees.
• Your preferred funding scheme (or note if you would like guidance choosing one).
• Expected start date and any visa or relocation considerations.

Typical response time: within 2 weeks.