PhD Scholarship: Diamond-like carbon (DLC) coatings for engineering and medical device applications

About the opportunity

We are seeking a PhD researcher to:

(i) investigate fundamental physical processes of the magnetized hydrocarbon plasma,

(ii) optimise the plasma parameters for deposition of hydrogenated DLC coatings on metal substrates, and

(iii) evaluate the physico-chemical properties, morphology, chemical composition, tribological properties and biocompatibility of the synthesised DLC coatings for selected engineering and medical device applications.

This industry collaborative PhD project will be undertaken through a collaboration between Griffith University and industry partner Laserdyne Technologies, a leading Australian opto-electronics technology company operating in aerospace and defence markets. The candidate is expected to spend a significant portion of their research time researching at, or with, the industrial partner organisation.

About us
The Condensed Matter research group within the School of Engineering and Built Environment and the Centre for Quantum Dynamics studies the emergent properties of the condensed phases of carbon in pursuit of fabricating robust and miniaturised opto-electronic devices and ‘all-carbon-based’ systems with novel structural and electronic properties. The main focus of the group is to advance our understanding of dynamic phase transformations in carbon under electronic excitations.

About you
The ideal candidate will have skills and/or experience in experimental applied plasma physics, applied physics, materials science, materials engineering or chemical engineering with a solid background in nano- or micro-structured materials fabrication/synthesis by chemical and/or physical routes, design of experiments and materials characterization and testing experience.

Desirable qualities include:

Expressions of interest are welcome from domestic applicants that have a minimum Honours 2A Bachelors’ degree or a Masters’ degree (AQF Level 9) incorporating a significant research component (HDR Scholarship Policy) . International applicants currently located in Australia who can commence the program onshore are also encouraged to submit an EOI. For further information on the eligibility requirements for the program refer here .

About the scholarship
The living allowance stipend will be $38,597 per annum tax-exempt for three years.

This consists of the 2021 Griffith University Postgraduate Research Scholarship annual stipend of $28,597 (indexed) and a $10,000 per annum top-up scholarship from the industry partner.

Please see the GUPRS Conditions of Award  for more information.

Project funding to undertake the research, conference travel and incidentals is also provided. Project funding and in-kind support will come from both University and industry resources. Please see the GUPRS Conditions of Award  for more information.

A successful international applicant will also be awarded a Griffith University International Postgraduate Research Scholarship to cover tuition fees for up to three years. Please see the GUIPRS Conditions of Award  for more information.

Expression of interest
Please do not select the “APPLY” button. All expressions of interest must be submitted to Dr Maksym Rybachuk [email protected]  containing:

• Statement addressing your suitability for the project/scholarship (1 page)
• Evidence that you have completed a program with the required grades as detailed in the scholarship eligibility criteria
• A curriculum vitae (CV)
• Names of two (2) referees

Submitted documents will be reviewed by the selection panel, which includes academics supervisors as well as the industry supervisor(s) from the partnered company. Shortlisted applicants will be interviewed by the selection panel.

The closing date for expressions of interest is: 5pm Tuesday 21 September 2021

Further information