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The PhD project will specifically look to further our fundamental understanding of interfacial films used to stabilise emulsions, themselves precursors for microcapsules. These interfacial films will initially be made from a combination of inorganic nanoparticles and polymers and we will study the adsorption of the nanoparticles and polymers at interfaces and the subsequent formation of the interfacial films. We will also study the properties of the films at the interface, including their elasticity, their adsorption strength and their rheological properties. We will then use this knowledge to develop improved interfacial films and to use them for stabilising emulsions.

For more information please follow this link: https://www.findaphd.com/phds/project/studying-interfacial-particulate-films-for-developing-inorganic-microcapsules/?p132344

We are looking for a PhD student with a background in physical chemistry, or a related subject, to build on our understanding of the delivery of drugs by self-assembled polymeric nanoparticles.  With exquisite control over particle morphology and surface chemistry, through well controlled polymerization and self-assembly of block co-polymers, it is possible to tailor the delivery of drugs to cells.  Small angle scattering has proven an indispensable tool in our understanding of structure of these nanoparticles and how they make drugs available to cells.  The student will be enrolled, and largely based, at the University of New South Wales in Sydney Australia, within the group of Professor Martina Stenzel.  The project is highly international and will also involve time in Germany. The project is a collaboration with Dr Christopher Garvey at the Heinz Maier-Leibnitz Zentrum & the Technische Universität München in Garching Germany and will involve the use of small angle scattering facilities both in Germany and in Australia.  Please email christopher.garvey@tum.de for further details.

A postdoctoral research associate position is available at Virginia Commonwealth University, USA. For details, see the link below:

https://www.higheredjobs.com/faculty/details.cfm?JobCode=177388281&Title=Postdoctoral%20Research%20Associate%20%2D%20Formulations%20Stability%20and%20Experimental%20Multiphase%20Fluid%20Dynamics

Prof Rob Atkin (University of Western Australia), A/Prof Debbie Silvester-Dean (Curtin University) and Prof Greg Warr (University of Sydney) are seeking expressions of interest for one postdoctoral position (UWA) and 2 PhD positions (Curtin, Sydney) to work on a ARC Discovery project focused on the Nanoscale Dynamics and Structure of Surface Active Ionic Liquids (SAILs) at Electrodes. This project is being undertaken in collaboration with Prof Margarida Costa-Gomes (CNRS and ENS Lyon, France) and Prof Agilio Padua (ENS Lyon, France).

This project will produce new, high performance, surface active ionic liquids. Surface active ionic liquids are pure salts in which one of the ions is based on a surfactant molecule. Surface active ionic liquids are much more effective than conventional electrolytes for some applications, but only at elevated temperature; at low temperature, ion dynamics are too slow. We will use cutting edge techniques to probe ion dynamics in surface active ionic liquids in the bulk and at electrode surfaces, and use this to elucidate rules for the rational design of new surface active ionic liquids with fast dynamics at low temperature, towards their use at room temperature in diverse areas; this project will target capacitors and gas sensors.

The successful applicants will be expected to start work in 2021. Due to covid restrictions, this means the positions are likely only possible for Australian based applicants, or Australian residents overseas able to return to Australia.

Expressions of interest should include a CV and cover letter and be directed to:

·         Rob Atkin (rob.atkin@uwa.edu.au) for the 2 year postdoctoral position at UWA. The project will use the Asylum Cypher Video Rate Atomic Force Microscope to undertake real time studies of the kinetics and mechanisms of dynamic IL processes at the nanoscale. Experience with the use of atomic force microscopy, ionic liquids or with processes at solid/liquid interfaces would be advantageous for this project.

·         Debbie Silvester-Dean (D.Silvester-Dean@curtin.edu.au) for the PhD project at Curtin University, which will use cyclic voltammetry (CV) and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) to directly investigate how changing the chemical structure, composition and temperature of surface active ionic liquids affects their performance for charge storage by measuring capacitance over a wide range of potential and time domains.

·         Gregory Warr (gregory.warr@sydney.edu.au) for the PhD project at University of Sydney, which will use a suite of X-ray and neutron scattering techniques to probe the structure-dynamics relationship in surface active ionic liquid based systems, overlapping with and extending the dynamic range beyond that directly available via video-rate Atomic Force Microscopy.

Two PhD positions are available at UniSA within the new ARC Training Centre (one on the particle sensing & sizing, the other one on the flotation reagents sensing).

The ideal candidate should have an Honours/MSc degree in chemistry, physics, chemical engineering or materials science.

Expressions of interest should include a CV and be directed to marta.krasowska@unisa.edu.au and david.beattie@unisa.edu.au.

PhD scholarship value is $32,788/annum.

We’re looking for a postdoc to work on an industry funded project looking at lipid structure in pharmaceutical formulations for one year. PhD in chemistry or related field, experience with soft matter, light and X-ray scattering techniques are essential, cell culture experience and electron microscopy experience are preferred. The project will be carried out in the Self-Assembled Systems group at the University of Newcastle in collaboration with Dr Livia Salvati Manni at University of Sydney.

Send your CV and cover letter to Dr Khay Fong via email khay.fong@newcastle.edu.au

PhD Scholarship, Australian National University, Canberra Australia

https://science.anu.edu.au/study/scholarships/australian-research-council-discovery-project-scholarship

Location: ANU, Canberra

Stipend: $28092 pa for up to 3.5 years (indexed every year by 2-3%)

I am seeking a PhD student with the equivalent of a First Class Honours or Master’s degree in physical chemistry, physics, chemical engineering or an equivalent discipline to participate in an Australian Research Council Discovery Project on unravelling the dominant drivers of ion specificity.

This exciting PhD project involves collaboration between highly successful research teams in the Research School of Physics at the ANU, The University of Newcastle and Flinders University. The student will have a unique opportunity to contribute towards new knowledge in the fields of colloid and interface science and soft condensed matter. In particular they will participate in an experimental program to better understand the fundamentals of ion specific effects, in particular how ions partition at interfaces. Ion specific effects are ubiquitous in soft matter systems including biology and in a diverse range of industry relevant and commercial fluids so improved fundamental understanding will have wide impact. 

 About you:

To be successful in the role, you will have:

• Bachelor Honours (First Class) or Master’s degree in Physical Chemistry,  Physics, Engineering or equivalent.
• Determination 

How to apply and further information

In the first instance you should email Professor Vincent Craig directly at vince.craig@anu.edu.au, to express interest. In your email describe you motivation to apply for the position.

I would also like to see your CV and a copy of your academic transcripts with all subjects studied and grades obtained.

The ANU and I, value diversity and inclusion and we are committed to providing equal opportunities to those of all backgrounds and identities. 

Applications will be held open until the position is filled.

For more information please see the website: https://science.anu.edu.au/study/scholarships/australian-research-council-discovery-project-scholarship

Surface Analysis Scientist: Full Time - Fixed Term
Applications close: 18 Aug 2020 (11:00 PM) E. Australia Standard Time

About this opportunity:

CMM provides a broad range X-ray diffraction, spectroscopy and imaging services to UQ, including state-of-the-art X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy (XPS) with insitu inoperando and correlative capabilities. UQ requires a highly-skilled and experienced Surface Analysis Scientist to both operate and maintain the instrument and to train clients in the design of experiments for, the operation of, and the analysis and interpretation of data from the XPS instrument. In addition, the role will also provide support for the provision of other advance X-ray analysis techniques including XRD, XRF and/or SAXS.

The Surface Analysis Scientist needs to be capable of operating effectively within a team environment but also with a high degree of independence. They will need to provide a very high level of expertise in the areas of surface science analysis, and advance X-ray characterisation to support the research groups within UQ, which have a strong focus on the understanding and engineering of material-, chemical- or bio-interfaces.

The role will also service the future needs of the next generation of researchers through research into and the development of new and/or enhanced experimental methods, instrumental capabilities and workflows (including data analysis) relevant to these disciplines. 

Our ideal candidate:

The successful candidate will be a creative, surface scientist and dedicated XPS specialist with a strong interest in the development of new methods in their field of expertise.

You will be driven by the desire to understand the molecular structure, chemistry and dynamics of surfaces and how to accurately elucidate these through the latest advances in scientific methods. 

You will be client focused, enjoy sharing their knowledge and ready to contribute to our team.

Although current work rights in Australia would be an advantage, CMM welcomes applications from candidates who do not yet have a work permit.  However, any appointment will be conditional to the candidate having secured unconditional work rights in Australia.

We value diversity and inclusion, and actively encourage applications from those who bring diversity to the University. Our Diversity and Inclusion webpage contains further information if you require additional support. Accessibility requirements and/or adjustments can be directed to recruitment@uq.edu.au.

Please see http://search.jobs.uq.edu.au/caw/en/job/509618/surface-analysis-scientist for full details.

Fonterra are looking for two Research Scientists to join the Food Chemistry team based at our Research and Development Centre in Palmerston North.

Working in partnership with the Food Design & Analysis and Food Structure Teams, the Food Chemistry team focuses on developing new dairy ingredients and their use in beverages, dairy powders, dairy foods, and protein-fortified foods.

These two roles will have a focus on one, or a combination of, the below areas of specialisation:

1. Protein chemistry (fundamental for medical foods, sports, dairy foods, dairy beverages)
2. Powder surface properties, rehydration, dispersion, solubility
3. Soft matter physics application, including modelling, to foods

Any responses should be sent directly to Dr Steve Taylor (Steve.Taylor@fonterra.com).

A funded PhD position using insect technology for converting plastic waste. Highly collaborative project with Woodside Energy Ltd. More information can be found here.