Jobs

Job Title

Early-Stage Researcher (PhD student position)

Project Title

Biocompatible carbon nanotube / ß-Ti alloy composite materials / surface

Application Deadline

11 March 2011

Expected Start Date

1 June 2011

Recruiting Institution

Department of Materials, University of Oxford, UK

http://www.materials.ox.ac.uk

City, Country

Oxford, UK

Job/project/ Description

This project will focus on the development of mechanically strong biocompatible carbon nanotube (CNT)/ß-Ti alloy composite materials for the use in artificial bones. Thermal chemical vapour deposition preparation routes will be explored using ß-type Ti- based alloys, i.e. on temperature sensitive and porous Ti-based substrate materials. In conjunction with different gas mixtures containing CH4/C2H6, NH3, H2, and Ar at pressures of 1-10 mbar at substrate temperatures between 500-850ºC, and variable DC Bias. It will be also investigated N and/or B doped CNTs possessing a different surface chemistry possibly even more favourable for engrafting cells. We will use a piezodriven aerosol thermal CVD system to growth CNTs and modified CNTs on relatively large areas (cm²) using various C and N and/or B-containing precursors in conjunction with suitable metal catalyst particles in temperatures range 650-850ºC (atm. pressure). The materials will be characterised by state-of-the-art electron microscopy techniques including analytical electron microscopy, Raman, XRD and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and MicroXAM for 3D surface analysis.

Appointment

The appointment will be on a temporary basis for a maximum period of 3 years (PhD student, regular employment contract).

The remuneration will be in line with the EC rules for Marie Curie grant holders (Early-Stage Researchers, ITN).

http://ec.europa.eu/research/mariecurieactions/index.htm

Requirements

The successful candidate must possess a good degree in Chemistry, Physics, Materials or Engineering Science, and should have experience of synthesising and characterising carbon-based nanostructured materials and their composite materials.  The successful candidate will be registered for a DPhil, and will make an application through the normal graduate admissions process.  All graduate awards are subject to the Examination Regulations currently in force: see http://www.admin.ox.ac.uk/examregs/

Candidates must be able to demonstrate the following:

Essential:

• Reasonable experience of working in a Materials Chemistry laboratory, such as practical project work experience or industrial placement.
• Experience of materials science, materials processing and testing and good knowledge of carbon nanotubes synthesis techniques.
• Familiarity with general concepts of nanomaterials and nanomaterials composite characterisation.
• A good understanding of at least two of the following techniques: electron microscopy, Raman, XRD and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and MicroXAM for 3D surface analysis.
• Fluency in spoken and written English.

Desirable:

• Good practical experimental skills.
• Ability to work both independently and as part of a research team.
• Experience in electron microscopy techniques.

Eligibility

The candidate must have no PhD and less than 4 years' research experience.

The applicant can be of any nationality except British.

The applicant must not have spent more than 12 months in the country (UK) of the host/recruiting institution in the 3 years prior to selection.

How to Apply

To apply, please write a letter of application and send with a detailed CV and names and contact details of two referees to Mrs K Fewings, Department of Materials, University of Oxford, Parks Road, Oxford OX1 3PH, or email: posts@materials.ox.ac.uk, by no later than 11 March 2011. Applications received after this date will not be considered.  Please make sure you quote reference number DJ11/06 at the beginning of your application.

Further Information

www.materials.ox.ac.uk and www.biotinet.eu