PhD Scholarship in 4D Cell Culture Systems for Biophysics Applications

About the Job
Jointly funded by the US Air Force Office of Scientific Research, CSIRO Research+ Science Leaders Program, CSIRO Biomedical Manufacturing Program and Swinburne University of Technology we have two scholarships available for students to undertake PhDs developing 4D cell culture systems for use in the development of new Biophysics -based technologies. The central aim of this project is to develop reproducible, scalable and monitored cell culture models that can then be used by our US-based partners to develop new imaging and sensing modalities for human tissues.

The successful applicants will have research experience in either physical science or biology. We are seeking people who wish to work at the interface between physics and biology and have the aptitude to undertake solution focused research as part of a broader team in Australia and the US. The projects may include periods of research in partner laboratories in the USA (Boston or Ann Arbor, Michigan). We are seeking applicants for two projects:

1) Photothermal imaging of 2D and 3D cell culture systems and tissue models. This project will require the applicant to build and test models within a range of imaging modalities, so familiarity with optical physics will be of a significant advantage.

2)  Use of nanoparticles as reporters in 2D and 3D cell culture systems. This project will focus on understanding how different nanoparticles can interact with cells and tissues in 3D and act as sensors within these systems. This project will involve cross validation of systems using traditional biochemical means so experience with cell and molecular biology will be of an advantage.

About Swinburne University of Technology
Swinburne is a multi-sector university of science, technology and innovation with more than 54,000 students and 5,000 staff globally. We offer postgraduate, undergraduate, vocational education and online education to provide students with a variety of work-relevant pathways. Our mission is to be a world-class university, creating economic and social impact through science, technology and innovation. We aim to deliver future-ready learners, research with impact and innovative enterprise.

Swinburne’s Faculty of Science, Engineering and Technology is at the forefront of the university’s focus on developing innovative solutions to real-life problems. If you’re interested in working on today’s most exciting challenges, collaborating with leaders in their discipline and being supported by some of the best technology and facilities in the country, then you should be at Swinburne.

About you

To be successful in the role, you will have:

• A Bachelor degree with 1st or 2.1 class honours and/or a research master’s degree in Physics/Chemistry/Biological Sciences/Engineering or a related field
• The ideal candidates are expected to be enthusiastic, self-motivated with a demonstrable aptitude for research and development.
•  Research experience in at least one of the following areas: Biophysics or optical physics, cell culture, biochemical or molecular biology, bioengineering
• Good team-working, observational and communication skills.

A full list of selection criteria is available within the position description.

Benefits

• Onsite health services
• Private health insurance discounts
• Weekly yoga and Pilates classes

To find out more about the extensive range of benefits offered to Swinburne employees please visit Employee Benefits

How to apply and further information
Please submit your application by clicking on the ‘Apply’ link, and submit a resume, cover letter and a response to the Key Selection Criteria, as listed in the position description. For further information about this position, Professor Sally McArthur, on 0450772348.

Should you require further support for an interview due to special needs or consideration, please contact our Diversity Consultant, Dr Walter Robles, on inclusion@swin.edu.au.  For support or queries related to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander employment, please contact DeadlyCareers@swin.edu.au
If you are experiencing technical difficulties with your application, please contact the Recruitment team on staffrecruitment@swin.edu.au

Agency enquiries will not be accepted for this position.

Swinburne is a large and culturally diverse organisation. We are proud to be recognised by the Workplace Gender Equality Agency as an Employer of Choice for women for 10 years in a row and of key initiatives such as our Pride@Swinburne Strategic Action Plan and our Reconciliation Action Plan. Equity and diversity are integral to our 2025 vision to be a world class university creating social and economic impact through science, technology and innovation.

Applications close at 5pm on 31st December 2019.