Further Enquiries

IPAS
Sara Leggatt - Email
Telephone: +61 8 8313 1059
Facsimile: +61 8 8303 4380

The University of Adelaide
SA 5005 Australia
Email
Telephone: +61 8 8303 5996
Facsimile: +61 8 8303 4380

Study oppurtunities

IPAS offers students the oppurtunity to undertake research at various levels. Summer scholarships are available through the Faculty of Science for students interested in spending part of their summer break involved in a research project. Students may also undertake an honours or postgraduate project. International students need to apply for an international scholarship.

For a description of the research IPAS is involved in, please visit the research section of this site. For more detailed information such as available projects contact Prof Tanya Monro. Below are the PhD positions available.

PhD Positions Currently Available

Virus detection using an optical fibre based sensing system
Super Science Scholarship #2 - Research & Development of exposed-core microstructured optical fibres for novel sensing applications
Super Science Scholarship #4: - Reproductive health sensing for IVF.
Super Science Scholarship #5: - Transforming protein and DNA detection methods: rapid crime scene assessment.
Super Science Scholarship #6 -Detection of trace quantities of explosives.
PhD student for a cross-disciplinary project on ovarian cancer and Imaging Mass Spectrometry (IMS) at the Adelaide Proteomics Centre
PhD Fellowship in Organic Chemistry at IPAS: Reproductive Health Sensing

DSTO Undergraduate Scholarships Currently Available

DSTO Scholarships in Photonics and Radar Technology

PhD Opportunity with a $21k top up - Virus detection using an optical fibre based sensing system

The Institute for Photonics & Advanced Sensing (IPAS) at the University of Adelaide and the South Australian Research and Development Institute (SARDI) are seeking a highly motivated PhD candidate to undertake a project on the development of novel photonic technologiy for the detection of norovirus, a significant human pathogen that can be present in seafood.

This PhD project will focus on the development of state-of-the-art optical fibre sensing technology using Surface Plasmon Resonance scattering to estimate the presence and infectivity of noroviruses. It is envisaged that the candidate will specifically focus on fabricating the sensors and assessing the performance characteristics of the technology. The PhD candidate will work closely with a post doctoral scientist who will optimise the surface functionality (biological components) of the sensor.

It is hoped that the new technology will create a platform to detect and effectively manage viruses and other foodborne hazards in seafood and other food, environmental and biological products. A top-up scholarship of $7000 per annum is being offered to outstanding candidates.

For further information on this opportunity please contact:

Dr Alexandre Francois
Research Fellowâ€¨
Institute for Photonics & Advanced Sensing
School of Chemistry & Physicsâ€¨
The University of Adelaide,
AUSTRALIA SA 5005
Email: alexandre.francois@adelaide.edu.au

Super Science PhD Positions Available

PhD scholarships are currently available at $23,728.00 with $10k top-up - taking the total scholarship value to $33,728.00 pa. Eligibility requires a minimum of a Second Class Honours Division A or equivalent and applicants must be Citizens or Permanent Residents of Australia prior to the closing date. International students must apply for an international scholarship.

Super Science Scholarship #2:

Research & Development of exposed-core microstructured optical fibres for novel sensing applications

Wanted: Physics PhD student. Apply Now.

This exciting, multi-disciplinary project in the fast-growing and well-funded research environment of the Institute for Photonics & Advanced Sensing (IPAS) offers the student to gain a PhD in Physics / Materials Engineering. The project aims to develop and improve exposed-core microstructured optical fibres, which is a new fibre type that is specifically tailored for novel fibre optics sensor platforms.

Super Science Scholarship #4:

Reproductive health sensing for IVF.

Wanted: Wanted: Biology/Biochemistry student. Detailed information on the position and how to apply.

This project will pursue the development of new optical fibre-based biological sensing methodologies for probing the state of the endometrium as a means of making decisions on implantations in IVF cycles and to enable the diagnosis of currently unexplained infertility. Studying with a transdisciplinary team of biologists/biochemists, photonics researchers, and gynaecologists, you will develop tools that can monitor the endometrium, in-vivo, without disturbing it.

Super Science Scholarship #5:

Transforming protein and DNA detection methods: rapid crime scene assessment.

Wanted: Biology/Physics student. Deailed information on the position and how to apply.

The aim of this project is to develop a novel rapid scanning platform for use at crime scenes. The approach brings together forensics and microbiology expertise within the Australian Centre for Ancient DNA (ACAD) with advanced microstructured optical fibre (MOF) sensing technologies recently developed in the Institute for Photonics & Advanced Sensing (IPAS).

The project will develop new measurement tools that will transform the way crime scenes are analysed, which will transform the way policing and CSI activities are performed at crime scenes and will have impact in fields including immigration, border security, disaster victim identification, environmental and conservation management.

Super Science Scholarship #6

Detection of trace quantities of explosives.

Wanted: Chemistry/Physics student. Apply Now.

There is a critical need for ways of detecting explosives in war zones and conflict zones. We propose to use a new optical fibre based photoluminescence approach for the detection of trace organic molecules and thus to identify the presence of explosives. You will work at the boundary of materials science and photonics, will lead to powerful new optical fibre-based filed-portable detectors for use in policing and security markets.

PhD student for a cross-disciplinary project on ovarian cancer and Imaging Mass Spectrometry (IMS) at the Adelaide Proteomics Centre

Epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC) has the highest mortality rate of all gynaecological malignancies and was responsible for 13 850 fatalities in 2010. There is no universal model for ovarian oncogenesis and disagreement still exists concerning the correct grading system. As such it is vital to gain a deeper understanding of EOC, in particular, there is an urgent need for the development of grading systems which can unambiguously distinguish tumors based on molecular composition and predict patient responses to treatment.

The proposed project will involve theory, design and application of MALDI imaging mass spectrometry (IMS) to molecular grading of ovarian epithelial tumours. The Adelaide Proteomics Centre is the national NCRIS facility for MALDI IMS and the only group in Australia with a publication record using this technology.

Detailed information on the position and how to apply

PhD Fellowship in Organic Chemistry at IPAS: Reproductive Health Sensing

An opportunity exists for an organic chemist to work on a multidisciplinary project at the interface of synthetic chemistry, photonic sensing, surface science, and reproductive biology directed at developing a new fibre-based sensing platform for the real time measurement of H2O2 levels in embryos. The project will provide new insights into the earliest stages of life, with the potential to improve assisted reproduction technologies. The resulting sensors will also have potential in monitoring the growth, proliferation, differentiation, and migration of cancer tumor cells and stem cells relevant to anti-tumor chemotherapeutics and regenerative medicine. Full details and instructions on how to apply.

Summer Scholarships

Summer scholarships are offered by the School of Chemistry and Physics to undergraduate students, providing them with the oppurtunity to gain an insight into postgraduate and higher level research.

A summer scholarship at IPAS will provide you with an excellent means to be involved with a world class research facility at undergraduate level. You will have the oppurtunity work with researchers who are well respected leaders in their fields.

More information about summer scholarships can be found on the Faculty webpage.

DSTO Undergraduate Scholarships

DSTO Scholarships in Photonics and Radar Technology

DSTO has established a scholarship program with the University of Adelaide to encourage young scientists and engineers to pursue studies in photonics and in radar, potentially leading to a career in defence research and development.
The scholarships are awarded to students based on the results from their previous year of tertiary study or their year 12 results, in the case of the first year award.

Defence Science & Technology Organisation (DSTO) Scholarships in Photonics
http://www.adelaide.edu.au/scholarships/undergrad/dsto_photonics.html

Defence Science & Technology Organisation (DSTO) Scholarships in Radar Technology
http://www.adelaide.edu.au/scholarships/undergrad/dsto_radar.html

Applications close Friday 2 March 2012.

Honours

Numerous honours projects at IPAS are available to students every year. Students from any science background are encouraged to apply.

General information on honours programs can be found on the Faculty webpage.

For information about Honours in physics at the University of Adelaide contact Prof Bob Vincent.

Postgraduate

Several, exciting oppurtunities exist for postgraduate research within the centre. Interesteded students can pursue either a MSc or a PhD by research at IPAS. A MSc and a PhD are two year and three year programs respectively that provide students with the oppurtunity to carry out research into a specific area.

General information on postgraduate studies, including information for international students, can be found on the Faculty webpage.

For information about postgraduate studies in physics at the University of Adelaide contact Dr Rod Crewther.