PhD opportunity: Stimuli-responsive colloids for sustainable chemistry (Filled)
Inspired by biological cell-signalling, the project will aim to develop stimuli-responsive colloidal emulsions to perform multiple, incompatible, chemical reactions in one pot, controlled by applied stimuli. We will design and synthesise the components of these systems, study their physical properties and responsiveness to the environmental/reaction conditions. The colloids will be design to interact and reconfigure allowing control over sequence of reactions. The focus will be on utilising such systems to perform important chemical reactions in a sustainable and efficient way.
Eligibility
The ideal PhD candidate will have strong background in organic synthesis and/or colloidal chemistry, and excellent understanding of fundamental physical chemistry. The candidate will have a BScHon or MSc degree in organic/physical/materials chemistry with outstanding grades and a keen interest in multidisciplinary research. Candidates should satisfy the requirements for admission as a PhD candidate at University of Auckland.
Total value and tenure of scholarship (funded through the MacDiarmid Institute)
NZD$30,000 per annum (not taxed) and includes all student fees for three (3) years.
How to apply (Filled= application is closed)
To apply, please send a CV, academic record, and the names and contact details of two referees to: Professor Jadranka Travas-Sejdic, j.
PhD Scholarship: A New Approach to Transient Organic Electronics (Filled)
A PhD scholarship in chemistry is offered for research on the project “A New Approach to Transient Organic Electronics.” The successful candidate will be funded under a Marsden funded research project and enrolled at The University of Auckland, New Zealand. The scholarship provides a stipend of NZ$27,500 per annum plus the PhD tuition fee for three years.
The research programme will develop a novel organic electronic materials, based on conjugated oligomers and biodegradable biopolymers, for the use in transient electronic devices and designed to breakdown under physiological conditions into non-toxic, low-molecular weight components. The synthesised material will be studied using techniques such as XRD, TEM, AFM and DSC, investigated under simulated physiological conditions and fabricated into devices.
The successful candidate will be based at the University of Auckland and supervised by Prof. Jadranka Travas-Sejdic and Dr. Eddie Chan. Funding will be available from March 1st, 2021.
Applicants must have completed a significant research project at postgraduate level including the completion of a BSc(Honours) or a Master’s degree in chemistry. We are seeking a highly motivated student with an excellent academic record, experienced in synthetic chemistry and a good understanding of polymers and materials chemistry. Candidates should satisfy the requirements for admission as a PhD candidate at The University of Auckland*.
Application Details:
(Filled= application is closed)
Please send a resume, academic record, and the names and contact details of two referees to: j.travas-sejdic@auckland.ac.nz or eddie.chan@auckland.ac.nz
with “PhD, Transient Electronics” in the subject line by 20th December 2020. Please note that only short-listed candidates will be notified.
1. Functionalisation of electrospun conductive substrates for cell capture and release
A fully funded PhD scholarship (stipend + fees) is available for a highly motivated candidate with a high level B.Sc. Honours or M.Sc. in Chemistry, Engineering or Biochemistry. The successful candidate is expected to have strong knowledge and experience in at least some of the following: synthesis and characterisation of conducting polymers, polymer chemistry, biochemistry, biosensing and electrochemistry.
This project involves fabrication of highly porous conducting polymer filters that can detect as well as reversibly capture and release various target-specific biological samples, including cells and oligonucleotides, in solution. Developing such technology for molecular diagnostics offers an important advance that accesses a global market for biomedical devices. The project will involve synthesis and characterisation of conducting polymer filters as well as developing the methodology towards capture/release of target biomolecules.
This PhD position will be funded by the New Zealand Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE) research programme – supervised by Prof. Jadranka Travas-Sejdic, Prof. David Williams and Prof. David Barker in the School of Chemical Sciences at The University of Auckland, New Zealand. The position is available immediately.
Expressions of interest should comprise a full CV and cover letter, with any supporting
documentation, and should be sent to
Prof. Jadranka Travas-Sejdic (j.travas-sejdic@auckland.ac.nz).
2. Development of biosensor to detect mammal pests
https://www.findaphd.com/search/ProjectDetails.aspx?PJID=87874
Introduced invasive mammals are one of the greatest threats to New Zealand’s native flora and fauna. Biosensors that can detect pest-specific biomarker molecules have potential to produce a step-change in the remote sensing of such pests for eradication. Based with our Molecular Sensing team in Plant & Food Research (PFR) in Auckland, this is an exciting PhD opportunity at the biotech/nanotech interface which aims to develop biosensor technology for mammal pest detection and surveillance.
The PhD project will involve the development of biological receptors for the sensitive and selective detection of mammal pest-specific biomarker molecules. This will include characterisation of these receptors ligand binding abilities and coupling to sensor formats for incorporation in wireless devices for remote sensing in the field. The student will work with Dr Andrew Kralicek, Molecular Sensing Team Leader (PFR) and Professor Jadranka Travas-Sejdic from the School of Chemical Sciences (University of Auckland).
The studentship offers 3-year PhD stipend/fees funded by the NZ Biological Heritage National Science Challenge.
Candidates will have relevant postgraduate qualifications in molecular biology and experience in data analysis (qualitative and/or quantitative). A background in materials chemistry would be desirable. Candidates must meet the University of Auckland eligibility criteria to enrol for this PhD.