PhD Scholarships in Biomimetics

The Australian Institute for Bioengineering and Nanotechnology

The University of Queensland's Australian Institute for Bioengineering and Nanotechnology (AIBN) is a dynamic multi-disciplinary research institute dedicated to developing technology to alleviate societal problems in the areas of health, energy, manufacturing and environmental sustainability. AIBN brings together the skills of more than 450 world-class researchers complimented by an extensive suite of integrated facilities, working at the intersection of biology, chemistry, engineering and computer modelling. With a reputation for delivering translational science, AIBN conducts research at the forefront of emerging technologies, and has developed strong collaborations with leading members of industry, academia and government. AIBN goes beyond basic research to develop the growth of innovative industries for the benefit of the Queensland and Australian economies.

Information about the Institute can be accessed on the Institute's web site at http://www.aibn.uq.edu.au/.

The newly established Biomimetics group of Prof. Alan Rowan, located within the AIBN, is conducting cutting edge research focused on the development of novel materials for biomedical applications, wound dressings and regenerative medicine.

The projects

Four projects will be offered in collaboration with the Institute for Molecules and Materials in Nijmegen, The Netherlands (Click on the project title for more details):

Project 1: Understanding and controlling strain stiffening

Project 2: Understanding and controlling mixed (hybrid) systems

Project 3: Developing a synthetic ECM for 3D cell growth

Project 4: Understanding the role of strain stiffening in cell differentiation, is cell differentiation altered by strain stiffening

The successful applicants will receive a systematic training in organic, polymer and biochemistry as well as gain experience in a variety of laboratory and characterization techniques. The outcomes of the successful projects will be directly applied in studies focusing on understanding the relationship between cell growth and the physical properties of these materials. The candidates will be housed at a world class institute, with the latest laboratory facilities and multidisciplinary research experience. Parts of the research projects will be conducted in the Netherlands.

The persons

A PhD is about learning new skills, how to do research, and becoming an independent researcher. We recognise that students will come to us from different backgrounds in order to learn these new skills and we welcome interest from domestic (i.e. Australian and New Zealand) students and international students.

Applicants will meet the requirements of admission to a Research Higher Degree at UQ, as described at https://graduate-school.uq.edu.au/uq-research-degrees. This includes evidence of one of the following with a background in organic, materials, polymer or biochemistry or cell biology:

• A bachelor's degree with honours class IIA or better from approved universities, which should include a relevant research component.

• A research master's degree.

• A coursework master's degree and an overall GPA (grade point average) equivalent to 5.65 on the 7-point UQ scale, which should include a relevant research component.

• A postgraduate degree of at least one year full-time equivalent with an overall GPA (grade point average) equivalent to 5.0 on the 7-point UQ scale, together with demonstrated research experience equivalent to honours IIA will be considered for PhD entry on a case by case basis.

• A bachelor's degree plus at least two years of documented relevant research experience, including research publications.

English language proficiency requirements apply.

Mandatory requirements for international applicants:

• Excellent academic performance evidenced by a high Grade Point Average (GPA); and

• International applicants must meet the University of Queensland's English Language Proficiency (ELP) requirements, detailed at http://www.uq.edu.au/grad-school/english-language-proficiency-requirements.

Previous publication activity will be well regarded.

Remuneration

The base stipend will be at the rate of AUD $26,682 per annum (2017 rate) tax-free for three years with the possibility of a twelve month extension in approved circumstances.

Enquiries

To discuss this role please contact Professor Alan Rowan, Director, AIBN via email alan.rowan@uq.edu.au, or Dr Jan Lauko via email j.lauko@uq.edu.au.

To apply for this role please DO NOT use the Apply button below. Please use the following link to apply: https://survey.its.uq.edu.au/Checkbox/Biomimetics.aspx

Reference: 500111