Two-dimensional materials-based piezophotonic composites for tailor-made ultrasounds stimulation in biological systems (2D-UltraS)-PhD Position

4 Jan 2024
Job Information

Organisation/Company

Faculty of Mechanical Engineering

Department

Optodynamics and laser applications

Research Field

Physics » Applied physics
Engineering » Biomedical engineering
Physics » Chemical physics

Researcher Profile

First Stage Researcher (R1)

Country

Slovenia

Application Deadline

16 Feb 2024 - 00:00 (Europe/Brussels)

Type of Contract

Temporary

Job Status

Full-time

Hours Per Week

40

Offer Starting Date

19 Feb 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

Light-to-sound conversion has shed light on opportunities to integrate miniaturized photoacoustic (PA) devices, developing minimally invasive tools with high spatial precision for applications in life science. The PA process relies on an exceptionally fast thermoelastic effect, determined by absorbed laser fluence and material properties. We propose a PhD project to extend photoacoustic research to emerging 2D layered materials beyond graphene, known as transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDCs). This project aims to create innovative piezophotonic polymer composites with precise control over geometry, optical, and mechanical properties, enhancing photoacoustic responses. Monolayer TMDCs, such as MoS2 , exhibit strong excitonic absorption cross sections of about 10% compared to graphene's 2%, indicating exceptional light-matter interaction. This makes TMDCs a natural 2D candidate for photoacoustic applications, offering greater flexibility in realizing piezophotonic polymer composites and opening new perspectives in the field.

The PhD student will investigate the PA response of TMDCs-based polymer composites, learning experimental techniques to characterize ultrasound waves using nanosecond and picosecond lasers, high-frequency sensors, and a fast pump-probe photography system. The experimental work will be supported by a multiscale theoretical approach to optimize PA emitter design and unveil the interplay in the PA response between electronic, optical, and thermal properties. Subsequently, we aim to implement high spatial precision piezophotonic tools (e.g. integrated on a lens or onto an optical fiber) intended for novel biomedical applications. These applications encompass photoacoustic light modulation in imaging, manipulation of bioink or cells embedded in bioink, and in-vitro and in-vivo investigations on the effect of high-frequency PA waves on protein aggregates associated with neurological diseases.

To achieve these objectives, the student will benefit from a combination of complementary research expertise. At the Faculty of Mechanical Engineering, the activities of the principal investigator and project coordinator, Dr. Daniele Vella (Laboratory for Laser Techniques), will merge with those of another Slovenian research group at Josef Stefan Institute, specializing in synthesis (chemical and liquid phase exfoliation), characterization of 2D materials (optical absorption, Raman, photoluminescence and AFM) and integrated biophotonics. Additionally, a foreign collaborating group from Coimbra University, with expertise in photochemistry, biochemistry, and photoacoustic studies, will be involved. The candidate will work in a multidisciplinary and dynamic environment at the Faculty of Mechanical Engineering and Jozef Stefan Institute, developing skills in 2D nanoflake synthesis, polymer composite realization, biomedical ultrasound characterization, and the creation of novel photoacoustic experimental platforms, including ultrasound interaction with biological systems. The candidate will also have the opportunity to spend three to six months at the Department of Chemistry at Coimbra University (prof. Carlos Serpa) for in-depth studies on biological system interactions and in-vivo experiments.

In summary, we propose a challenging yet feasible PhD project considering the expertise of the scientific team involved. We expect the candidate to attain research maturity, capable of influencing decisions with mid-and long-term implications for their future.

Requirements

Research Field

Physics » Applied physics

Education Level

Master Degree or equivalent

Research Field

Engineering » Biomedical engineering

Education Level

Master Degree or equivalent

Research Field

Engineering » Electronic engineering

Education Level

Master Degree or equivalent

Research Field

Engineering » Mechanical engineering

Education Level

Master Degree or equivalent

Skills/Qualifications

• Master in applied physics, electrical/mechanical/biomedical engineering, nanotechnology, nanoscience, lasers, or a related field.
• Excellent English level, both written and spoken.
• Team working skills (highly important).

Specific Requirements

• Programming skills (Matlab, C++, Labview)
• Design and simulation (SolidWorks, Comsol, or Ansys ).
• Experience with any of the above-mentioned characterization and experimental techniques.
• Experience with 2D materials.
• Experience in nanoscience/nanotechnology.

Languages

ENGLISH

Level

Excellent

Research Field

Physics » Applied physicsEngineering » Biomedical engineering

Years of Research Experience

1 - 4

Additional Information
Selection process

The project is funded by the Slovenian and Innovation Research Agency. Interested candidates must submit their application in January-February (flexible date) 2024 to the email [email protected] and [email protected] , including a presentation letter and a CV. Two recommendation letters are desirable. Candidates will be called for an online interview.

Additional comments

The salary has been fixed in agreement with national standards for researchers with the experience requirements for the position.

The salary in Slovenia includes basic health insurance, social security, and a pension plan.

Duration of the contract: 4 years.

Work Location(s)

Number of offers available

1

Company/Institute

Faculty of Mechanical Engineering

Country

Slovenia

State/Province

Slovenia

City

Ljubljana

Postal Code

1000

Street

Aškerčeva cesta 6

Geofield

Where to apply

E-mail

[email protected]

Contact

State/Province

Slovenia

City

Ljubljana

Website

http://www.fs.uni-lj.si/

Street

Aškerčeva cesta 6

Postal Code

1000

E-Mail

[email protected]
[email protected]

Phone

+38640618819

STATUS: EXPIRED