Development of fluorescent sensors for biological application

We are looking for a highly motivated, passionate and competitive candidate to carry out PhD research in fluorescent sensing and chemical biology in an international team working on the development of chemical sensors for biological studies.

While sophisticated imaging techniques like MRI and ultrasound give exquisite structural information about biological systems, many of the key questions in medical research currently focus around the chemistry of healthy and diseased cells. For example, oxidative stress, the imbalance of oxidising and reducing species in the cell, is now understood to be related to diseases associated with aging. Traditional imaging is unable to provide any information about the nature or distribution of chemicals within the cell, and so this becomes a fundamental chemistry question: how to see where chemical species accumulate and move in cells during health and disease. In this PhD program, we will synthesise small organic fluorescent sensors for confocal imaging and/or flow cytometry that will enable imaging of key analytes including reactive oxygen species, metal ions and peptides. The project will involve synthesis, photophysical characterisation and biological application of these compounds.

Interested candidates with extremely competitive track records will be encouraged and assisted to apply for scholarships from granting agencies such as the University of Sydney.

The candidate’s attributes:

Applications are invited from outstanding and enthusiastic graduates with a relevant background in synthetic organic chemistry or medicinal chemistry:

• A First Class Honours degree, Masters degree or equivalent
• Experience in synthetic organic chemistry
• A track record of publication in peer-reviewed journals
• Analytical thinking, data analysis and critical problem-solving skills
• Excellent time management skills and ability to work independently
• Fluency in written and oral English

The position is open to domestic and international students.

How to apply:

Interested applicants are encouraged to contact Prof. Elizabeth New (elizabeth.new@sydney.edu.au).

Please include the following information in your enquiry (as a single PDF file)

• A cover letter (that includes a brief statement of your suitability and motivation to apply)
• Your CV, including details of two referees
• Academic transcripts, and
• Evidence of English language proficiency (if appropriate)