Phd Scholarship - Nanomaterial Functionalisation

• Opportunity to help develop a novel nanophotonic therapy targeting drug-resistant hypertension
• Full-time, fixed term (3.5 years) position at our Hawthorn campus
• Annual stipend $40,000

About the Role
We are seeking a highly motivated and skilled graduate in chemistry, materials science, chemical engineering, or biomedical engineering to join our research team as a Research Scientist/Engineer. This role supports the development of a novel nanophotonic therapy to treat drug-resistant hypertension—a major and growing global health challenge.

The successful candidate will focus on synthesising, functionalising, and characterising nanoparticles for targeted delivery in the human body. Responsibilities also include in vitro cellular testing, data analysis from cytotoxicity and bioavailability studies, and assisting with animal studies and immunohistochemistry. This position offers the chance to work at the forefront of nanotechnology and biomedical science with meaningful clinical impact.

You will have access to advanced research facilities and opportunities to collaborate with leading experts. This is a unique opportunity to contribute to innovative medical technologies aimed at improving cardiovascular health worldwide.

Candidates should have hands-on experience in nanoparticle synthesis and characterisation, a solid understanding of chemical functionalisation for biological systems, and the ability to work well within an interdisciplinary team. Strong communication skills and a demonstrated ability to produce quality research under supervision are essential.

Desirable experience includes prior work with nanoparticles in drug delivery or diagnostics, familiarity with cellular targeting, and use of computational tools to model nanoparticle behaviour. Experience in a regulated research environment is also advantageous.

Join us in advancing cutting-edge science with real-world health impact.

About You
To be suitable for this role you will need to have experience in the below key accountabilities:

• Experience in nanoparticle synthesis and surface functionalisation
• Proficiency with analytical and characterisation techniques relevant to nanoparticles
• Sound understanding of chemical modification strategies for biological applications
• Ability to work collaboratively in an interdisciplinary team environment
• Proven ability to work under supervision to produce quality research outcomes
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Experience with nanoparticles for drug delivery or diagnostic applications
• Familiarity with biological systems and cellular targeting mechanisms
• Knowledge of computational tools for modelling or analysing nanoparticle behaviour
• Prior experience working in a regulated research environment

Qualifications
4-year honors degree (or equivalent) in Chemistry, Materials Science, Chemical Engineering, Biomedical Engineering, or a related field.

About Swinburne University of Technology
Swinburne’s strategy draws upon our understanding of future challenges. We choose to build Swinburne as the prototype of a new and different university – one that is truly of Technology, of Innovation and of Entrepreneurship. We are committed to a differentiated university proposition in education and research.

To Apply
Please submit your CV and cover letter addressing your suitability for this position. To review the Position Description and to apply, please scroll down to the bottom of the page.

If you are viewing this advert from an external site, please click ‘apply’ and you will be redirected to Swinburne’s Jobs website to access the Position Description at the bottom of the page.

Please Note: Appointment to this position is subject to passing a Working with Children Check.

If you are experiencing technical difficulties with your application, please contact the Swinburne Talent Acquisition Team on talentacquisition@swin.edu.au

Applications Close: Monday 23 June 2025, at 11.00pm

Swinburne offers flexible working options contained in our leave and parenting/carer policies to support work-life balance.

Diversity, Equity and Inclusion
Swinburne has become a world-class university, driving social and economic impacts through science, technology, and innovation. As a dual-sector university, our vision is for people and technology working together to build a better world.

Central to our vision is our commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion. We pride ourselves on being an equal opportunity employer focused on attracting, retaining, and developing great talent. We work to remove barriers related to gender identity, culture, ethnicity, sexual orientation, disability, and age.

We strongly encourage applicants from diverse Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities. Our Moondani Toombadool Centre leads our Indigenous education and culture at Swinburne, guided by community wisdom and leadership.

We support applicants with disabilities. Adjustments can be requested at any time during the recruitment process. For Reasonable Adjustment requests, including accessible formats for the PD, application form or any other document, please contact DCR@swin.edu.au or call +61 3 9214 3550.

Please note the above number and DCR email address are for disability or reasonable adjustments queries only. General enquiries about the role can be sent to talentacquisition@swin.edu.au (general enquiries will not be answered by phone).

Victoria’s Commitment to Action: Improving international student employment outcomes.
As a signatory to Victoria’s Commitment to Action, Swinburne seeks to remove barriers to international graduate employment. We welcome and encourage applications from international graduates.
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