Currently recruiting one PHD Candidate for a Joint Project on Hybrid spider silk/silkworm silk biomaterials:

Research topic

This is a doctoral cotutelle project between Deakin University (Australia) and the University of Bayreuth (Germany).

The successful PhD Student will be awarded a scholarship from Deakin University with the supervision team being drawn from Deakin University and University of Bayreuth. The PhD Student will graduate with two testamurs, one from Deakin University and one from University of Bayreuth, each of which recognises that the program was carried out as part of a jointly supervised doctoral program. The program is for a duration of 4 years and scheduled to commence in October 2023.

The PhD Student is anticipated to spend at least 12 months of the total period of the program at University of Bayreuth, with the remainder of the program based at Deakin University.

The project will focus on developing new hybrid materials from silkworm silk and recombinant spider silk. Both are exciting natural polymers because of their amazing mechanical properties and because they can be processed into a range of materials. Combining these materials will unlock the advantage of each – silkworm silk’s availability and excellent mechanical properties and recombinant spider silk’s degree of control and ability to be readily functionalised.

https://www.deakin.edu.au/study/fees-and-scholarships/scholarships/find-a-scholarship/deakin-bayreuth-cotutelle-spider-silk-biomaterials

Eight PhD funded projects available as part of the UBT-UoM joint PhD

The University of Bayreuth and University of Melbourne are currently offering places for high-achieving candidates to complete their PhD studies under joint supervision from both Universities. Candidates will spend at least 12 months in each country and benefit from the research expertise of researchers in both countries. Scholarships will also include travel support.

The candidates will be supported by their supervisors in each place as well as a well established research network between Melbourne and Bayreuth and an active partnership.

Melbourne-based candidates should apply to a specific project (listed below) and send the following to Professor Paul Mulvaney at the University of Melbourne (mulvaney@unimelb.edu.au).

  • your current CV

  • a letter of motivation outlining your interest in the specific topic and in a German/Australian joint PhD (200-500 words)

  • academic transcripts

Bayreuth-based candidates should contact: melbourne@uni-bayreuth.de.

Research topics

Exploring exciton logic gates for high-density data storage and ultrafast communication technologies

Examine and manipulate energy flow for energy-harvesting applications with a focus on the data storage and ultrafast communication technology components.

Project lead: Professor Paul Mulvaney

Development of polymeric singlet fission materials to improve the efficiency of solar cells

Improve the efficiency of solar cells by effectively harnessing polymeric singlet fission materials (read more)

Project lead: Dr David Jones

Improving energy conversion efficiency through synthesis and manipulation of semiconducting block copolymers

Induction of block copolymer self-assembly for high performance organic photovoltaic devices and the characterisation thereof to increase exciton separation efficiency and charge mobility in organic photovoltaic devices.

Project lead: Dr David Jones

control of excitons in single polymer chains

The overall mission of ARC Centre of Excellence in Exciton Science (ACEx) is to examine and manipulate the way light energy is absorbed, transported and transformed in advanced molecular materials. Nanofabricated structures will be fabricated and conjugated polymers will be studied in using single molecule spectroscopic techniques in both Melbourne and Bayreuth working with Prof. Jürgen Köhler.

Project lead: Prof. Trevor Smith

Study Light Pulse Control of Excitons

Nanofabricated structures will be fabricated and conjugated polymers will be studied in using single molecule spectroscopic techniques in both Melbourne and Bayreuth working with Prof. Jürgen Köhler.

Project lead: Prof. Trevor Smith