PhD Scholarship in Applied Physics: Laser-synthesized nanomaterials for new biological applications

PhD Scholarship in Applied Physics: Laser-synthesized nanomaterials for new biological applications

This project combines expertise in the fabrication of nanomaterials, including magnetic nanostructures using laser ablation in liquid ambient, fabrication of laser treated surfaces and their further coating by magnetic materials, and evaluation of their biocidal activity and biocompatibility.

As an AUFRANDE researcher, you will:

  • be enrolled in doctoral programs at two entities in France and Australia, with the chance to be awarded dual doctorates
  • work on innovative projects of high commercial and societal value 
  • be recruited under a French employment contract, including social security coverage
  • be employed full-time for a minimum period of 36 months 
  • earn an above-national standard salary
  • see the world with once-in-a-lifetime experiences, including a 6 to 12 months residential stay in Australia
  • form part of a rich multidisciplinary network of researchers and supervisors coming together in annual training schools in France and Australia 
  • work closely and gain experience with AUFRANDE’s pool of industry leaders

It was established only recently that smaller nanoparticles and nanostructures are increasingly deadly for bacteria (1-3 micrometers) and virus (~0.1 micrometer). However, the mechanism of the biocidal action (hence antibiotic) spanning more than one order of magnitude in size of nano-“killer” objects needs a further refinement. Magnetic field applied during laser ablation for nanoparticle generation or nanotexturing of surfaces has profound effects on morphology and It was established only recently that smaller nanoparticles and nanostructures are increasingly deadly for bacteria (1-3 micrometers) and virus (~0.1 micrometer). However, the mechanism of the biocidal action (hence antibiotic) spanning more than one order of magnitude in size of nano-“killer” objects needs a further refinement. Magnetic field applied during laser ablation for nanoparticle generation or nanotexturing of surfaces has profound effects on morphology and composition as established by supervisor teams. When ultra-short laser pulses are used, highly energetic electrons leave  the laser exposed region with ions lagging behind. Depending on the orientation of magnetic B – field, the ion and electron currents spins in opposite directions and different radius. Effects of surface morphology used for biocidal actions will be tested as well as nanoparticles produced with and without magnetic fields. Current results hint that B-field results in smaller nanoparticles as well as sharper nanotextures. This hypothesis will be tested in this Project. Trapping of magnetic nanoparticles on nanotextured surfaces (magnetic and non-magnetic) using external magnet are expected to control initial adhesion and biofouling of surfaces, which is currently not resolved issue to stop bacterial colonisation. Magnetic control of nanoparticles will be relevant across several biomedical imaging techniques. Application potential: anti-biofouling of large scale surfaces used underwater.

This Project combines expertise in the fabrication of nanomaterials, including magnetic nanostructures (Fe3O4, Fe3O4-Au core-satellites, etc.) using laser ablation in liquid ambient (Andrei Kabashin, Aix-Marseille University), fabrication of laser treated surfaces and their further coating by magnetic materials (RMIT in collaboration in Melbourne), and evaluation of their biocidal activity and biocompatibility (Elena Ivanova, RMIT).  Plasma deposition as well as atomic layer deposition (ALD) will be used for coatings over laser treated surfaces (accessible via collaboration in Melbourne).       

A. Kabashin’s team (France) are specialists in the development of non-chemical laser-ablative routes for the synthesis of ultrapure colloidal nanomaterials, namely the pioneers of methods based on ultrashort laser ablation in liquid ambient. These methods are now considered as the most efficient among laser-ablative pathways to finely control size and physico-chemical characteristics of formed nanomaterials. In contrast to conventional chemical routes, laser ablation unique in providing essentially non-equilibrium conditions for nanostructure growth, which makes possible the synthesis of nanoformulation of virtually any material or the combination of seemingly unimaginable materials in one nanoformulation (e.g., plasmonic-semiconductor, plasmonic-magnetic, etc.). In addition, the synthesis can be performed in ultrapure environment (e.g., deionized water), which excludes any contamination of formed nanomaterials.  This technique was advantageous for the synthesis of a variety of nanomaterials, including magnetic ones (nanoparticles of Fe, Co Ni and composites such as Si-Fe, Fe-Au nanostructures). Biocidal and bio-toxicity of these new class of material will be examined by E. Ivanova, RMIT.

The project will have access to nanofabrication facilities at Swinburne Univ. Technol. and Melbourne Center of Nanofabrication (MCN) at Australian National Fabrication Facility (ANFF), advanced electron microscopy.

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Aix-Marseille Université offers a 36-months full-time work contract (with the option to extend up to a maximum of 42 months).  The remuneration, in line with the European Commission rules for Marie Skłodowska-Curie grant holders, will consist of a gross annual salary of 28,764 EUR. Of this amount, the estimated net salary to be perceived by the Researcher is 1,926 EUR per month (before the deduction of tax at source). However, the definite amount to be received by the Researcher is subject to national tax legislation.

Open now. 

January 24 2024

One scholarship available. 

AUFRANDE is a PhD training program for talented researchers of any age, nationality, culture, gender, and sexual orientation, co-funded by the European Union as part of the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA). Candidates applying for an open position must fulfil all the following eligibility criteria:

  • Not have been awarded a doctoral degree. Researchers who have successfully defended their doctoral thesis but who have not yet formally been awarded the doctoral degree will NOT be considered eligible to apply; and 
  • Not have resided in France for more than 12 months in the 3 years immediately before the call’s deadline* (i.e. from 24 January 2021); and 
  • Not be already permanently employed by the research host for the position you are applying to; and 
  • Fulfil the requirements to enrol in a doctoral program at both PhD-awarding institutions in France and Australia (as described in each position description); and 
  • Demonstrate English language proficiency. * Time spent as part of a procedure for obtaining refugee status under the Geneva Convention (1951 Refugee Convention and the 1967 Protocol), compulsory national service and/or short stays such as holidays are not taken into account. 

NB: If you do not meet all conditions, your application will be rejected. For complete eligibility details, including special circumstances and evidence to be submitted, check the new Guide for applicants.

The application process is entirely online.

Candidates may apply for up to 3 positions (all in the same application).

Before applying

  1. Carefully read the Guide for Applicants, and the FAQ before starting your application.
  2. Make sure you understand the position description and entry requirements.
  3. Confirm that you meet all eligibility criteria.
  4. Prepare all the documentation requested (in English).
  5. Applying to an AUFRANDE position
  6. Create a personal account: register on the application portal.
  7. Activate your account: you will receive an email with an activation link. You must click on this activation link.
  8. Log in and locate the AUFRANDE Program.
  9. Complete the application form online for the desired position.
  10. Upload ALL requested documents: only documents uploaded on the platform will be considered.
  11. Review all the information and submit the form before the deadline.

In parallel, remind your 2 referees to submit their references on the portal before 24 January 2024.

We require that all candidates follow the same application process to ensure that the selection process is consistent and fair: only applications that are complete, in English, and submitted online before the deadline will be considered eligible. Incomplete applications will be discarded.

Selection

Applicants will be evaluated on a set of evaluation criteria including academic merit, scientific quality and research potential, ability to carry out a research project and work in an international context.

For full selection criteria check the Guide for Applicants. You can also download the Guide for Evaluators to see how your application will be assessed.

Deadline

Submit your application through the online portal before 24 January 2024 at 11:59 PM CET and make sure that your referees submit their reference letters too.

Please refer to https://aufrande.eu/recruitment/how-to-apply/. 

For further information please refer to https://aufrande.eu/recruitment/how-to-apply/

Please contact elena.ivanova@rmit.edu.au. 

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Acknowledgement of Country

RMIT University acknowledges the people of the Woi wurrung and Boon wurrung language groups of the eastern Kulin Nation on whose unceded lands we conduct the business of the University. RMIT University respectfully acknowledges their Ancestors and Elders, past and present. RMIT also acknowledges the Traditional Custodians and their Ancestors of the lands and waters across Australia where we conduct our business - Artwork 'Luwaytini' by Mark Cleaver, Palawa.

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