Max
Harding
Postdoctoral Researcher, University of Queensland
PhD, Institute for Molecular Bioscience
Global Challenges Scholar
University of Queensland & Brisbane, Australia
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I work at the intersection of protein engineering and plant synthetic biology. My research aims to advance sustainable biomanufacturing — using plants to produce molecules of value to science and society.
Highlighted research
Selective and efficient functionalization of P22 virus-like particles using an asparaginyl ligaseHarding et al.
2026 Bioconjugate
Chemistry Bacteriophage P22 virus-like particles as nanoscale protein scaffolds for plant synthetic biology
Harding et al.
2026 Plant Biotech.
Journal Protein engineering strategies to optimise recombinant product synthesis in N. benthamiana
Harding & Sainsbury
2026 Plant Biotech.
Journal Exploring use of a protein cage system for producing bioactive peptides in Escherichia coli
Harding et al.
2025 Microbial
Biotechnology
See all publications on Google Scholar ↗
Previously I completed my PhD at the Institute for Molecular Bioscience as a Global Challenges Scholar. Alongside the bench, I've worked with early-stage biotech ventures and venture funds on translating synthetic biology into real products.
Outside the lab I play hockey — previously winning the National Hockey One League in 2023 with the Brisbane Blaze — ride, run and generally enjoy being outside and active. I care about practising creativity in science and finding new ways to communicate ideas that have a positive impact.