About the Project
We solicit applications for a PhD position in Professor Himanshu Mishra’s research Group at King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST), Saudi Arabia (https://interfaciallab.kaust.edu.sa/Pages/Home.aspx).
Job Description:
We are looking for a doctoral student to investigate wetting of rough/textured surfaces. The project will address why/how certain insects walk on water and create bio-inspired textures for potential applications in anti-fogging, anti-biofouling and/or dust repellency. Tasks will also include physical analysis of textures and wetting, high-resolution study of capillary condensation and directional movement of water, chemical analysis of surface coating and developing a theoretical understanding of these phenomena. Several other curiosity-driven tangents are possible, such as movement of liquid water in plants and soil.
Currently, we are using the following equipment in our work on wetting: contact angle cell (Kruss DSA 100), centrifugal adhesion balance, confocal microscopy, high-speed imaging, scanning electron microscopy and KAUST Nanofabrication tools to micro-fabricate and characterize the wetting behaviors. Other relevant tools such as Nanoscribe and IIID tomography are available at KAUST.
Our collaborators include Professor Sigurdur Thoroddsen (KAUST) Professor Jacob Israelachvili (UCSB) and Professor Jayantha Chakraborty (IIT-KGP)
Requirements:
1. The candidate should have a solid undergraduate and Masters level academic training in one of the following areas: Mechanical engineering, Materials Science and Physics. Prior experience with surface science, contact angle measurements, knowledge of marine/terrestrial insects, and photolithography will be handy.
2. A strong desire and ability to master new experimental techniques.
3. Curiosity-driven, perseverant, dedicated, and a team player.
4. Strong communication, analytical, and scientific writing skills, including journal publications and conference presentations.
This position will be in the laboratory of Professor Himanshu Mishra (Interfacial Lab) where the research focus is on chemical and physical phenomena at interfaces of water with hydrophobic media, such as air, lipids, and perfluorinated coatings. Our laboratory is situated in the Water Desalination and Reuse Center and equipped with state-of-the-art equipment including, contact angle cell (Kruss DSA 100), centrifugal adhesion balance, confocal microscopy, high-speed imaging, scanning electron microscopy surface forces apparatus, atomic force microscope, IIID Printer, polarization modulation infrared absorption-reflection spectroscopy, home-built pH microsensors, and electrospray ionization mass spectrometry. Also, we regularly use machine shops, and Core Labs (for imaging, microfabrication, and characterization).
Please send the CV to [Email Address Removed]
KAUST offers excellent academic and social atmosphere. PhD scholars enjoy highly competitive salaries and benefits, along with a truly global exposure through colleagues from over 100 nationalities. Join us for an adventure!
For further information, please visit these links:
http://www.nature.com/nature/journal/v532/n7600_supp_ni/full/532S19a.html
https://interfaciallab.kaust.edu.sa/Pages/Home.aspx
https://corelabs.kaust.edu.sa/nanofab
https://postdoc.kaust.edu.sa/Pages/Home.aspx
https://www.kaust.edu.sa/en
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/King_Abdullah_University_of_Science_and_Technology
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