PhD Student- Interfacial Microrheology - investigating the structure and dynamics of liquid-liquid and liquid-air interfaces

Exciting PhD Opportunity Available in Soft Matter & Biophysics in New Zealand

Several PhD openings now exist in our vibrant and international Soft Matter and Biological Physics research groups based in the Institute of Fundamental Sciences at Massey University in Palmerston North, New Zealand.

We are seeking an enthuiastic PhD candidate to join us and undertake fundamental work investigating the structure and dynamics of liquid-liquid and liquid-air interfaces. In particular we will be developing novel experimental methods to probe their viscoelastic properties. This will primarily involve the use of probe particles placed at interfaces and the application of passive and active microrheology techniques: tracking thermal flucutations and using optical tweezers to apply forces. The results will be interpreted with the help of other bulk interfacial rheology experiments. We aim to control the interfacial area and composition in specially constructed microfluidic environments and using our expertise in surface active biopolymers.

The project will suit a budding experimentalist with a strong background in physics or physical chemistry, and includes an annual tax-free stipend of NZD $30,000 and tuition fees.

Check out http://www.biophysics.ac.nz and www.surfacechemistrylab.com and email Catherine ([Email Address Removed]) or Bill ([Email Address Removed]) if you are interested. Closing date 17 th February 2017.