Scholarship in Australia (University of Tasmania)

Postdoctoral Fellow, Materials Chemistry, Surface Chemistry and Separation Science, University of Tasmania, Australia

Australian Centre for Research on Separation Science (ACROSS)
Job Title:
Postdoctoral Fellow, Materials Chemistry, Surface Chemistry and Separation Science
Description:
ACROSS are seeking to appoint an enthusiastic and motivated Post-doctoral Research Fellow who will take part in the development of new advanced diamond based materials to be used as selective stationary phases in liquid chromatography. This multidisciplinary project comprises experimental work in the production of new materials, prepared by modification of surface chemistry of synthetic diamond or production of composite structures including nanoparticles. A significant part of the project will be accomplished through the integrated use of various analytical techniques including: scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffraction, BET surface area and pore size measurements, Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) and Raman spectroscopy and synchrotron-based studies. Final evaluation of prospective materials will be accomplished by ultra high performance liquid chromatography (UHPLC) at elevated temperatures.

The goal of this highly innovative project is to explore the advantageous physico-chemical properties of diamond, such superior mechanical and chemical stability, excellent thermal conductivity in combination with negligible thermal expansion in various adsorption and separation technologies. The other aspect of the project is characterisation of unique adsorption properties of diamonds for biochemical separations.
Requirements:

1. A PhD degree in Materials Chemistry, Surface Chemistry and Separation Science or related discipline;
2. Evidence of ability to develop and pursue novel research approaches and to investigate complex research problems;
3. Strong background knowledge of nanocarbon (preferably nanodiamond) chemistry and experience in chemical modification of carbonaceous materials;
4. Knowledge of instrumental methods of characterisation of surface chemistry and porous structure of adsorbents including HPLC;
5. Demonstrated excellence in oral and written communication, including the ability to publish the results of scientific research in scientific journals;

About ACROSS:
ACROSS was established in 2001 as a collaborative research centre involving some 70 researchers at the University of Tasmania in Hobart (UTAS), Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology (RMIT) and the University of Western Sydney (UWS). ACROSS undertakes research over a broad range of topics related to separation science. A description of ACROSS and a copy of the 2009 Annual Report can be accessed at www.across.utas.edu.au
Location: Hobart TAS
Salary: $69K - $74K pa
Tenure: 2 years
Applications deadline: 20 February 2011

Contact:
Prof. Pavel Nesterenko University of Tasmania Private Bag 75 Hobart 7001 Tasmania, AUSTRALIA Phone: +61 3 62262165 Fax: +61 3 62262858
E-mail: Pavel.Nesterenko[ at ]utas.edu.au