WINECHEK (APR – 2976)

Development of a Rapid Biosensor for Wine Fermentation

ABOUT THE INDUSTRY PARTNER

Winechek is a collective of highly specialised wine scientists working across microbiology, biochemistry, oenology, molecular biology and chemistry. Their team brings extensive expertise in wine analysis, delivering precision-driven insights that support winemakers across the industry.
What began as a single laboratory in the Barossa Valley has grown into a network of facilities located across key wine-producing regions in Australia. This national presence enables Winechek to work closely with winemakers and vineyards, providing practical insights that support quality and consistency in wine production.

WHAT’S IN IT FOR YOU?

• Contribute to the development of a novel biosensor technology for the wine biotechnology industry
• Gain hands-on experience in enzyme assay development and analytical method validation
• Work alongside industry scientists developing commercial analytical tools used globally in wine production
• Develop experience translating laboratory research into real-world biotechnology applications

RESEARCH TO BE CONDUCTED

Vintessential test kits are widely used within the wine industry to measure key parameters that influence fermentation performance and wine quality. These enzymatic and colourimetric assays support winemakers to make informed decisions throughout the winemaking process.

As the industry evolves, there is growing demand for faster, more accessible analytical methods that can complement existing test kits and provide rapid insights both in the laboratory and directly in the winery.

Nitrogen is a critical nutrient in fermentation, influencing yeast growth, fermentation performance and aroma development. Low nitrogen levels can lead to sluggish fermentations and the production of undesirable compounds such as hydrogen sulphide (H₂S).

Yeast assimilable nitrogen (YAN), comprising both ammonium (mineral nitrogen) and amino acids (organic nitrogen), is routinely measured by winemakers to assess fermentation risk and guide nutrient management.

In this project, the intern will contribute to the development of a novel three-enzyme biosensor system to estimate YAN levels in grape samples using a simple colour-based readout.

This will involve:

• Designing and optimising enzymatic reactions to detect different forms of nitrogen
• Developing a colourimetric system that correlates with YAN concentration
• Supporting the development of both a quantitative laboratory-based assay and a rapid, field-based test
• Validating the biosensor against established Vintessential test kits to ensure accuracy and reliability

SKILLS WISH LIST

If you’re a postgraduate research student and meet some or all the below we want to hear from you. We strongly encourage women, indigenous and disadvantaged candidates to apply:

• Background in biochemistry, biotechnology, analytical chemistry or molecular biology
• Experience with enzyme assays or spectrophotometric analysis
• Familiarity with biosensor development or analytical method validation (desirable)
• Strong laboratory skills and attention to experimental design
• Interest in applied biotechnology and commercial research

RESEARCH OUTCOMES

• Development and optimisation of a three-enzyme biosensor cascade for YAN detection
• Validation of the biosensor using established analytical methods
• Evaluation of the system’s suitability for quantitative laboratory assays and rapid field testing
• A final report summarising findings and recommendations for future product development

ADDITIONAL DETAILS

The intern will receive $3,300 per month of the internship, usually in the form of scholarship payments.

It is expected that the intern will primarily undertake this research project during regular business hours and maintain contact with their academic mentor throughout the internship either through face-to-face or phone meetings as appropriate.

The intern and their academic mentor will have the opportunity to negotiate the project’s scope, milestones and timeline during the project planning stage.

Please note, applications are reviewed regularly and this internship may be filled prior to the advertised closing date if a suitable applicant is identified. Early submissions are encouraged.

INTERNSHIP CONTACT

CONNECT WITH APR.INTERN