New Approaches for Physical Nanocharacterisation of Spider Silks

A full-time PhD Macquarie University Research Excellence Scholarship (MQRES) is available in the Department of Physics and Astronomy associated with successful ARC Discovery Project “Drawing Out Spider Silk Photonics and Technology”.

Please quote the allocation reference number 2013094 on your application form.

http://hdr.mq.edu.au/information_about/scholarships/hdr_scholarships_domestic_and_international

Project Description:

This nanotechnology project will research new approaches to using a range of electron microscopies combined with materials processing techniques to make new measurements of the physical characteristics of natural spider silks and related materials. A key focus of the research will be differentiating material components of the nanocomposite and multi-layered silks. The candidate will need to learn and understand the physics of the techniques being used in order to complete the analysis and interpretation aspects of this project. The project involves research collaboration with A/Prof Marion Stevens-Kalceff at UNSW. Additionally, optical microscopies will be used for microscale characterisation of the silks to test key hypotheses.

An excellent candidate will be able to build the research track record for a broad range of professional futures in physical and/or materials science, including academia.

Prospective PhD applicants should have a first class Honours degree or equivalence, and for scholarship holders, additional relevant research experience and/or qualifications in line with the University's scholarship rating guidelines. Refer to Scholarship Requirements for further information about this.

Initial inquiries should be directed to Professor Deb Kane, email: [Email Address Removed], phone: +61 2 9850 8907

The 2013 MQRES full-time stipend rate is $24,653 pa tax exempt for 3.5 years.

Applicants will need to complete a candidature/scholarship application form and arrange for two academic referee reports to be submitted to the Higher Degree Research Office. Refer to the Applications page for further application instructions. http://hdr.mq.edu.au/information_about/research_degrees/applications.

Macquarie University will advise the successful applicant of entitlements at the time of scholarship offer.

Please quote the allocation reference number 2013094 on your application.