Dr Justin Hodgkiss
No more applications being accepted
Funded PhD Project (Students Worldwide)
About the Project
This project aims to make and characterize biosensors for methamphetamine detection. The sensors will use DNA sequences known as aptamers for target recognition, and these probes will be attached to the surfaces of nanoparticles and nanostructured electrodes in order to create interfaces that selectively respond to methamphetamine. Two types of sensors will be created; i) a colorimetric sensor suitable for detecting drugs in saliva, and ii) an electrochemical sensor suitable for quantifying contamination.
The project will involve the preparation and characterization of these sensor devices. Preparation methods include nanomaterials synthesis, electrodeposition, and aptamer conjugation. The materials and devices will be studied by using materials characterization facilities at Victoria University of Wellington (VUW), including electroanalytical chemistry, electron microscopy, and optical spectroscopy, and will be benchmarked against analytical chemistry benchmarks at the Institute of Environmental Science and Research (ESR).
The successful candidate will join the aptasensor development Group [1] at VUW [2], in collaboration with ESR [3]. The project will connect with start-up company AuramerBio Ltd [4], as well as the nationwide Centre of Research Excellence, the MacDiarmid Institute of Advanced Materials and Nanotechnology [5]. The university is located in Wellington, the thriving capital city of New Zealand [6].
We are seeking a highly motivated person with an excellent academic record and a good understanding of analytical and physical chemistry. Applicants should have a chemistry 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 [7].
Funding Notes
The scholarship provides a generous non-taxed stipend of NZ$27,000 per annum plus the PhD tuition fee for three years.
Please send a CV, academic record, and the names and contact details of two Referees to: [Email Address Removed] with “PhD aptamer biosensors” in the subject line.
References
[1] http://www.victoria.ac.nz/scps/about/staff/justin-hodgkiss
[2] http://www.victoria.ac.nz/
[3] http://www.esr.cri.nz/
[4] http://www.auramerbio.com/
[5] http://macdiarmid.ac.nz/
[6] http://www.wellingtonnz.com/discover/
[7] http://www.victoria.ac.nz/fgr/prospective-phds/how-to-apply