PhD positions – Plasma physics – Bioapplication of plasma

26 Jan 2024
Job Information

Organisation/Company

Comenius University

Department

Department of Experimental Physics

Research Field

Physics

Researcher Profile

First Stage Researcher (R1)

Country

Slovakia

Application Deadline

31 Mar 2024 - 23:59 (Europe/Bratislava)

Type of Contract

Temporary

Job Status

Full-time

Hours Per Week

40

Offer Starting Date

1 Sep 2024

Is the job funded through the EU Research Framework Programme?

Not funded by an EU programme

Is the Job related to staff position within a Research Infrastructure?

No

Offer Description
 

In present, plasma technologies offer a promising alternative to various chemical processes in the industrial sector. With the advancement of plasma sources capable of generating low-temperature plasma at atmospheric pressure, often referred to as 'cold' plasma, plasma applications have found widespread use in the treatment of biological materials in fields such as medicine, agriculture, and the food industry. Plasma sources operating at room conditions offer a more efficient and less chemical-intensive approach compared to standard wet chemical processes and are more gentle than high-temperature approach. Research in the field of plasma treatment of various agricultural and food products has demonstrated economic and ecological advantages. For instance, it has been shown to reduce biological contamination, extend shelf life, enhance germination, and promote plant growth. Furthermore, as a highly reactive medium, plasma can also be employed to eliminate various undesirable chemicals and additives commonly used in agriculture and the food industry.

The aim of the position 1:

The objective of the thesis is to study the interaction of low-temperature plasma generated at atmospheric pressure with the surface of biological materials and elucidate the influence of individual plasma components (active particles, radiation, electric field and temperature) on the physicochemical properties of the surface.

The research requires become acquainted with the use of low-temperature plasma for biological materials. The two basic configurations of plasma sources relevant for application in practice will be investigated - dielectric barrier discharges and plasma jets. Individual sources will be characterized using spectroscopic and electrical measurements.

The impact of plasma generated under different conditions (exposure time, working gas, distance from the plasma source) will be studied regarding the primary physicochemical surface properties of model plant samples (seeds), including factors such as wettability, surface energy, changes in chemical bonds, surface composition, and surface morphology. Collaborating with other departments (Faculty of Science, Comenius University and Faculty of Chemical and Food Technology, Slovak University of Technology), the research will include the influence on secondary properties and processes occurring in the treated samples (imbibition, germination, decontamination effect, potential genotoxic effect, nutritional characteristics, etc.).

The work is experimental and is part of an ongoing project, offering collaboration within a team that includes experts from physics, biology, plant physiology, genetics, and food technology.

The aim of the position 2:

The objective of the thesis is to study of atmospheric pressure low-temperature plasma sources, based on dielectric barrier discharges and plasma jets, for the reduction of various contaminants, with a particular focus on agrochemicals.

The research involves acquiring knowledge about the application of low-temperature plasma for biological materials and interaction of undesired chemicals. The impact of plasma generated under different operational conditions (source, power supply, exposure time, working gas, etc.) on selected types of agrochemicals, primarily pesticides, will be investigated on non-interacting substrates and directly on biological samples. In addition, the influence of plasma on physicochemical properties, such as chemical changes on the surface, morphology, wettability, and imbibition, will be explored.

The research involves the use of advanced diagnostic methods for detecting and analyzing the reduction and decomposition of agrochemicals in plasma, in collaboration with other laboratories at the workplace (mass spectrometry, ion mobility spectrometry). Additionally, in collaboration with other departments participating in the ongoing project (Faculty of Science, Comenius University and Faculty of Chemical and Food Technology, Slovak University of Technology), biological, physiological, and growth parameters of the treated samples will be monitored.

The work is experimental in nature and forms a part of the ongoing project.

____________________________________________

More information about the research: https://dep.fmph.uniba.sk/labbioapp/

More information of the PhD study and Plasma physics programme:

https://fmph.uniba.sk/en/admissions/admissions-process/doctoral-degree-admissions/

https://fmph.uniba.sk/en/admissions/doctoral-degree-programs/plasma-physics/

Salary:

• prior to completion of the qualification exam: 1025,50 EUR (6th class, 1st level)
• after successful completion of the qualification exam: 1 194 EUR (7th class, 1st level)

Scholarships are not subject to taxes or other fees.

To apply, please send

- short motivation letter (max. 1 page) describing your previous experience with laboratory research including the topic of your Master thesis

- list of your publications - peer-reviewed papers in scientific journals and conference abstracts/contributions

- CV

in advance before the deadline to [email protected]

Requirements

Research Field

Physics

Education Level

Master Degree or equivalent

Languages

ENGLISH

Level

Good

Additional Information
Selection process

The candidiates meeting the criteria will be contacted for online interview.

Work Location(s)

Number of offers available

2

Company/Institute

Faculty of Mathematics, Physics and Informatics, Comenius University

Country

Slovakia

City

Bratislava

Postal Code

84248

Geofield

Where to apply

E-mail

[email protected]

Contact

City

Bratislava

Website

https://dep.fmph.uniba.sk/labbioapp/

Street

Mlynská dolina F2

Postal Code

84248

E-Mail

[email protected]

STATUS: EXPIRED