HDR Scholarship - Nanoscale Molecularly Imprinted Conductive Polymers for Non-Fouling Electrochemical and Optical Sensing

Molecularly imprinted polymers (MIPs), are synthetic polymers that have a predetermined binding selectivity and specificity to a given molecular ‘target.’  The selectivity and specificity of MIPs arise from a network of binding ‘cavities’ which retain the specific geometry of the target producing a lock-and-key type interaction analogous with an antibody-antigen bond. This PhD project will develop ‘nanoMIPs,’ using a newly invented approach to fabricating ultra-thin and nanoporous conductive polymer films with thickness dimensions approaching that of 2D-nanomaterials (i.e. >10 nm). These ultra-thin films are highly conductive and optically transparent and can be molecularly imprinted to create sensing interfaces which specifically bind target molecules with unprecedented speeds and efficiencies and can be rapidly regenerated via electroactuation. Using the NanoMIPs technology combined with an innovative anti-fouling coating system based on lubricin (a glycoprotein), electrochemical and optical sensing systems will be created that will allow permit analyte detection and quantification directly in raw, unprocessed or diluted biological fluids (e.g. blood, saliva, etc). PhD candidates will work closely with industry partners Universal Biosensors (Roweville, VIC Australia) on technology development, device protoyting, and test validation.

Applications will remain open until a candidate has been appointed

This scholarship is available over 3 years.

• Stipend of $33,500 per annum tax exempt (2023 rate)
• Relocation allowance of $500-1500 (for single to family) for students moving from interstate
• International students only:  Tuition fees offset for the duration of 4 years. Single Overseas Student Health Cover policy for the duration of the student visa.

To be eligible you must:

• be either a domestic or international candidate currently residing in Australia. Domestic includes candidates with Australian Citizenship, Australian Permanent Residency or New Zealand Citizenship.
• meet Deakin's PhD entry requirements
• be enrolling full time and hold an honours degree (first class) or an equivalent standard master's degree with a substantial research component.

Please refer to the research degree entry pathways page for further information.