A PhD scholarship as part of an Australian Research Council Linkage Project is available in collaboration with a world-leading 3D-bioprinting company
This multi-disciplinary project aims to advance additive manufacturing techniques by incorporating live cells into hierarchical, multi-component structures. While this technology holds immense potential, current methods lack the ability to include spatially segregated biological cues.
This project will focus on developing plasma pen modules and their application to selectively functionalize surfaces and interfaces during 3D bioprinting. The physical and chemical characteristics of the plasma-activated structures before and after hydrogel functionalization will be studied using techniques such as XPS, FTIR and ToF-SIMS to develop an in depth understanding of how conditions in the plasma regulate the surface properties. Stem cells and cell-instructive biomolecules will be incorporated within the hybrid material, and characterised for cell viability, function, and therapeutic potential.
The successful applicant will be working in the laboratories of Dr Behnam Akhavan at University of Newcastle, Australia, in close collaboration with Prof Marcela Bilek, Dr Giselle Yeo, and Prof David McKenzie, at the University of Sydney.
PhD Scholarship details
Funding: $32,192 per annum (2024 rate) indexed annually. For a PhD candidate, the living allowance scholarship is for 3.5 years and the tuition fee scholarship is for four years. Scholarships also include up to $1,500 relocation allowance.
Supervisor: Dr Behnam Akhavan, Dr Giselle Yeo, Prof Marcela Bilek
Available to: Domestic students
PhD
Eligibility Criteria
To be considered, you will need to be fluent in English and have achieved excellent results in your undergraduate studies
The applicant will need to meet the minimum eligibility criteria for admission. In addition,
1. Applicants should have completed an Honours, MSc or equivalent degree in one or more of the following fields: Chemistry, Physics, Mechanical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Material Science and Engineering, Biomedical Engineering, or related disciplines.
2. Applicants should be highly self-motivated and be able to work effectively within a multidisciplinary research team.
3. Applicants should have excellent scientific writing skills (such as demonstrated through journal publications) and communication skills.
Application Procedure
Interested applicants should send an email expressing their interest along with scanned copies of their academic transcripts, CV, a brief statement of their research interests and a proposal that specifically links them to the research project.
Please send the email expressing interest to [email protected] by 5pm on 13 June 2024.