Nanoarchitectonics of Magneto-plasmonic Mesoporous Materials for Sensing Applications

Plasmo-magneto-nanomechanical sensors are advanced sensing devices that combine the principles of plasmonics, magnetics, and nanomechanics to achieve highly sensitive and multifunctional detection capabilities. The integration of advanced nanomaterials can significantly improve miniaturization, sensitivity, and functionality. Plasmonic nanostructures enhance optical sensing, while magnetic nanomaterials improve magnetic field-based signal enhancement and detection. Precise surface functionalization increases specificity, and hybrid structures leverage both optical and magnetic properties to achieve superior performance in biomedical diagnostics, environmental monitoring, and industrial applications.

This project aims to develop mesoporous magneto-plasmonic films through a combination of lithography and electrochemical fabrication, study their activity under external magnetic fields, and integrate them into plasmo-magneto-nanomechanical systems (portable devices) for robust and precise detection of biomolecules either by electrochemical or SERS-based techniques.

You will acquire expertise in a wide range of nanotechnology areas, including synthesis and advanced characterization, device fabrication, nanomechanical systems, as well as biomedical research techniques such as biosensor development, clinical sample analysis, and statistical analysis.

The project will be conducted at the Australian Institute of Bioengineering and Nanotechnology (AIBN) in Professor Yamauchi’s group. AIBN is a multidisciplinary institute equipped with state-of-the-art facilities for nanotechnology, device fabrication (The Australian National Fabrication Facility-ANFF, QLD node), PC2 labs, cell culture facilities, and surface and biomolecule characterization equipment (e.g., SEM, TEM, XRD, XPS, SAXS through CMM, UQ). The student will have access to all these research facilities. 

This is an Fellowship support scheme scholarship project that aligns with a recently awarded Australian Government grant.

The scholarship includes:

• living stipend of $36,400 per annum tax free (2025 rate), indexed annually
• your tuition fees covered

Learn more about the Fellowship support scheme scholarship.

You must contact the principal supervisor for this project to discuss your interest. You should only complete the online application after you have reached agreement on supervision.

Always make sure you are approaching your potential supervisor in a professional way. We have provided some guidelines for you on how to contact a supervisor.

Your application will be assessed on a competitive basis.

We take into account your:

• previous academic record
• publication record
• honours and awards
• employment history.

A working knowledge of nanotechnology, materials engineering, device fabrication, and sensor construction would be of benefit to someone working on this project.

You will demonstrate academic achievement in the field(s) of nanotechnology, materials science or biomedical/mechanical engineering and the potential for scholastic success.

A background or knowledge of synthesis and characterisation of plasmonic or magnetic materials, device fabrication, and sensors (electrochemical or SERS-based sensors) is highly desirable.

This project requires candidates to commence no later than Research Quarter 3, 2025. To allow time for your application to be processed, we recommend applying no later than 31 March, 2025 31 December, 2024.

You can start in an earlier research quarter. See application dates.

Before you apply

1. Check your eligibility for the Doctor of Philosophy (PhD).
2. Prepare your documentation.
3. Contact Professor Yusuke Yamauchi (y.yamauchi@uq.edu.au) to discuss your interest and suitability.

When you apply

You apply for this scholarship when you submit an application for a PhD. You don’t need to submit a separate scholarship application.

In your application ensure that under the ‘Scholarships and collaborative study’ section you select:

• My higher degree is not collaborative
• I am applying for, or have been awarded a scholarship or sponsorship
• UQ Earmarked Scholarship type.

Apply now