Degree type
PhD
Closing date
1 June 2025
Campus
Hobart
Citizenship requirement
Domestic
About the research project
Perfluoroalkyl substances are a group of potentially harmful molecules that have been widely used in firefighting foams, cookware, water resistant clothing, and food packaging. These compounds do not degrade readily, and have a tendency to bioaccumulate. Most of the general public has been exposed to PFAS, and concerningly, high concentrations of these molecules are being found in soil and water sources. PFAS exposure has been associated with a number of cancers and been linked to low birth weight and diminished organ function. The established methods to identify PFAS are costly and time consuming, requiring large laboratory instrumentation for detection and quantification, and taking days to weeks to obtain results. The work of the Kilah group has identified molecular structures that are able to instantly change colour in the presence of PFAS pollutants, allowing for the rapid and user friendly detection of PFAS at real world concentrations in soil and water. The detection of these pollutants is facilitated by supramolecular interactions between our coloured hosts and the perfluorinated guests. These sensor molecules have made use of perfluorinated components in their structure to aid in the detection of PFAS. In this project, the candidate will syntheses supramolecular structures that incorporate non-fluorinated recognition groups to further explore and enhance the detection of PFAS. The project will commence with the synthesis of these new compounds using established organic and inorganic synthesis techniques. The newly prepared and isolated molecules will be characterised by Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) spectroscopy, UV-Visible Spectroscopy, Mass Spectrometry, and X-ray crystallography. These molecules will then be applied to the challenge of binding and responding to a range of PFAS pollutants under a number of real world conditions. These investigations will use UV/Visible spectrophotometry and fluorescence spectroscopy to investigate the strength of the binding interactions between the prepared compounds and PFAS.
Primary Supervisor
Funding
Applicants will be considered for a Research Training Program (RTP) scholarship or Tasmania Graduate Research Scholarship (TGRS) which, if successful, provides:
- a living allowance stipend of $33,511 per annum (2025 rate, indexed annually) for 3.5 years
- a relocation allowance of up to $2,000
- a tuition fees offset covering the cost of tuition fees for up to four years (domestic applicants only)
If successful, international applicants will receive a University of Tasmania Fees Offset for up to four years.
As part of the application process you may indicate if you do not wish to be considered for scholarship funding.
Other funding opportunities and fees
For further information regarding other scholarships on offer, and the various fees of undertaking a research degree, please visit Scholarships and fees.
Eligibility
Applicants should review the Higher Degree by Research minimum entry requirements.
Ensure your eligibility for the scholarship round by referring to our Key Dates.
Additional eligibility criteria specific to this project/scholarship:
- Applicants must be able to undertake the project on-campus
Selection Criteria
The project is competitively assessed and awarded. Selection is based on academic merit and suitability to the project as determined by the College.
Additional essential selection criteria specific to this project:
- A background in synthetic inorganic or organic chemistry
- Demonstrated research experience
- A strong intrinsic motivation to complete a PhD
- Evidence of self directed learning/research
- The ability to work independently and as part of a team
Additional desirable selection criteria specific to this project:
- Experience in structural characterisation techniques including NMR, IR and MS
- Experience in UV-Visible and/or fluorescence spectroscopy
Application process
- Select your project, and check that you meet the eligibility and selection criteria, including citizenship;
- Contact Dr Nathan Kilah to discuss your suitability and the project's requirements; and
- In your application:
- Copy and paste the title of the project from this advertisement into your application. If you don’t correctly do this your application may be rejected.
- Submit a signed supervisory support form, a CV including contact details of 2 referees and your project research proposal.
- Apply prior to 1 June 2025.
Full details of the application process can be found under the 'How to apply' section at Research degrees.
Following the closing date applications will be assessed within the College. Applicants should expect to receive notification of the outcome by email by the advertised outcome date.
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