Insect odorant receptor electronic sensors

Insect odorant receptors are a unique class of protein complexes evolved for odour sensing, with strong potential for electronic nose technology. By coupling odorant receptors to carbon nanotube and graphene field effect transistors we can create sensitive electronic sensors and study how the sensors operate.

The device fabrication project available and the successful candidate will be working in parallel with a student working on the molecular biology of the odorant receptors. By utilising nanoelectronic devices we aim to determine how the electronic signals are generated in the sensors and what we can learn about the odorant receptor structures and functionality. This will be done both through the use of carbon nanotube and graphene field effect transistors and via novel nanoscale devices that will be fabricated at the University of New South Wales in Australia, under the supervision of Prof Adam Micolich.

We are seeking highly motivated candidate with excellent academic record and a good understanding of physics or electrical engineering. There is the possibility to remain at VUW throughout the project or to have the opportunity to visit the laboratory at UNSW (trips may be on the order of several weeks to a few months).

Previous cleanroom and microfabrication experience is an advantage. Knowledge of electronics and Labview and python coding are also an advantage, but not essential. Applicants should have a physics or electrical engineering degree equivalent to the 4-year BSc (Honours) degree in New Zealand, with 1st class Honours, or an MSc or postgraduate Diploma. Candidates should satisfy the requirements for admission as a PhD candidate at Victoria University of Wellington [1].

The scholarship is funded via the Marsden Fund and provides a non-taxed stipend of NZ$35,000 per annum plus the PhD tuition fee for three years.

To apply, please send a CV, academic record, and the names and contact details of two referees to: [Email Address Removed] and [Email Address Removed] with “PhD Odorant sensors” in the subject line.

 References:

[1]      http://www.victoria.ac.nz/fgr/prospective-phds/how-to-apply