Ion-Selective Organic Materials for Bioelectronic Applications - Opportunities for Chinese Citizens

Applications are invited from Chinese citizens interested in a PhD studentship starting in October 2017 to work in the laboratory of Dr Christian Nielsen (https://nielsen-lab.com/) in the School of Biological and Chemical Sciences at Queen Mary University of London. Early applications are strongly encouraged. The selected applicant/s will then apply with Dr Nielsen’s support to the Chinese scholarship Council program (http://en.csc.edu.cn) in order to secure the necessary funding. If successful the funding for this studentship will cover fees and an annual stipend for up to 48 months.

As a member of the prestigious Russell Group, Queen Mary University of London is one of UK’s leading research-focused higher education institutions, where multidisciplinary research is carried out at the highest level. PhD opportunities are available for highly motivated Chinese citizens with a strong background in organic chemistry (essential skill), and an interest in materials chemistry and organic bioelectronic applications.

Organic bioelectronics is a new emerging field of research that combines organic electronic materials with biological applications such as biosensors and neural interfacing. Advances in this field require strong interdisciplinary interactions and collaborations between organic chemists, materials scientists and medical scientists.

With a focus on the materials design, synthesis and characterisation, our group will draw inspiration from established materials chemistry to develop novel pi-conjugated materials with semiconducting properties as well as biological relevant functionalities that can facilitate the coupling of organic electronics with biology. The work will include both small molecule and polymer synthesis and will rely strongly on investigating and understanding structure-property relationships within these new classes of materials.

The PhD project will involve the chemical synthesis of biocompatible pi-conjugated molecules and polymers that have both the anticipated electronic properties as well as specific ionselectivity and the desired biological relevant properties such as swellability and ionic transport. The developed materials will be characterized by means of various analytical techniques such as optical spectroscopy, electrochemistry and X-ray diffraction and scattering. Subsequent device fabrication will involve thin film processing, electrical testing, and biocompatibility tests, and will be carried out in collaboration with colleagues in the Materials Research Institute and external national and international collaborators.

To apply, please send to Dr. Nielsen ([Email Address Removed]), your CV, a short statement outlining why are you interested in a PhD opportunity in the Nielsen Lab, and the contact information of two references. Early applications are strongly encouraged.