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PhD Position in Micro/Nano-scale Spectroscopy at ANU, Australia

DJ
Dorrit Jacob
Wed, Jan 29, 2025 8:37 PM

Title: Understanding biomineralization at the micro to nano scale

Also advertised in Earthworkshttps://www.earthworks-jobs.com/geoscience/anu25011

Chief Supervisor: Professor Dorrit Jacob (Research School of Earth Sciences, Australian National University,

Canberra, Australia)

Collaborators: Dr. Laura Otter (Australian National University), Dr. Michael Förster (Australian National University),

Prof Simon Clark (Macquarie University, Sydney)

Description

Shells and skeletons of marine animals are biominerals, formed by organisms using metabolic pathways that are still

relatively unknown. All biominerals contain small percentages of organic macromolecules that influence the

crystallization of the minerals and determine their mechanical properties. These organic components are intergrown

with different mineralized phases in the biominerals at the micro-to nanoscale.

The aim of the PhD project is to characterize such materials in situ at the micro- to nanoscale using state-of the-art

spectroscopic methods (dominantly Nano-IR) and other supporting advanced analytical methods (e.g. Synchrotron Xray

and neutron scattering, TEM etc.). The goal is to gain insights into the composition and distribution of organic

macromolecules and carbonate phases in biominerals and to draw conclusions about interactions at the mineral/organic

interface to understand biomineralization processes. This research will enable the development of biomimetic

materials, an understanding of the effect of climate change on marine life and provide improved constraints on our

climate models.

The PhD student will focus on marine calcifying organisms (molluscs, corals, brachiopods) and their synthetic

laboratory and geological analogues, but work can be expanded to other materials of interest (e.g. silicates, diamond).

Work for this project will be carried out in an interdisciplinary team which includes geochemists and material scientists

in collaboration between ANU and Macquarie University. This interdisciplinary project is suitable for students from

different backgrounds in STEM.

Prior experience

Prior experience in any of the following fields: geochemistry, inorganic or physical chemistry, material sciences,

engineering, physics/biophysics is highly valued. This project would particularly suit a candidate with a deep interest

in nano methods and spectroscopy. Experience with molecular dynamics simulations would be beneficial. This is an

opportunity to develop expertise in cutting-edge methodologies while addressing fundamental scientific questions with

broad implications for materials science, environmental science, and biology

If you are curious about the molecular mechanisms of biomineral formation and eager to contribute to this rapidly

advancing field, we encourage you to apply. This research provides a unique opportunity to work at the intersection of

disciplines, using advanced tools to uncover nature's most intricate designs

As part of your application package, kindly include: 1. CV (including contact information for 2-3 referees) 2. Cover

Letter (this can include: a description of why you want to undertake a PhD; how your previous experiences have

prepared you for the research project that you are applying for; what your passions are within or outside of academia)

Applications will be accepted until the position is filled. Kindly email your application to: dorrit.jacob@anu.edu.aumailto:dorrit.jacob@anu.edu.au

Professor Dorrit Jacob FAA
Director, Research School of Earth Sciences
The Australian National University
Building J8, 142 Mills Road, ACTON
Canberra ACT 2600, Australia

T +61 2 6125 2487
ORCID ID 0000-0003-4744-6627

Title: Understanding biomineralization at the micro to nano scale Also advertised in Earthworks<https://www.earthworks-jobs.com/geoscience/anu25011> Chief Supervisor: Professor Dorrit Jacob (Research School of Earth Sciences, Australian National University, Canberra, Australia) Collaborators: Dr. Laura Otter (Australian National University), Dr. Michael Förster (Australian National University), Prof Simon Clark (Macquarie University, Sydney) Description Shells and skeletons of marine animals are biominerals, formed by organisms using metabolic pathways that are still relatively unknown. All biominerals contain small percentages of organic macromolecules that influence the crystallization of the minerals and determine their mechanical properties. These organic components are intergrown with different mineralized phases in the biominerals at the micro-to nanoscale. The aim of the PhD project is to characterize such materials in situ at the micro- to nanoscale using state-of the-art spectroscopic methods (dominantly Nano-IR) and other supporting advanced analytical methods (e.g. Synchrotron Xray and neutron scattering, TEM etc.). The goal is to gain insights into the composition and distribution of organic macromolecules and carbonate phases in biominerals and to draw conclusions about interactions at the mineral/organic interface to understand biomineralization processes. This research will enable the development of biomimetic materials, an understanding of the effect of climate change on marine life and provide improved constraints on our climate models. The PhD student will focus on marine calcifying organisms (molluscs, corals, brachiopods) and their synthetic laboratory and geological analogues, but work can be expanded to other materials of interest (e.g. silicates, diamond). Work for this project will be carried out in an interdisciplinary team which includes geochemists and material scientists in collaboration between ANU and Macquarie University. This interdisciplinary project is suitable for students from different backgrounds in STEM. Prior experience Prior experience in any of the following fields: geochemistry, inorganic or physical chemistry, material sciences, engineering, physics/biophysics is highly valued. This project would particularly suit a candidate with a deep interest in nano methods and spectroscopy. Experience with molecular dynamics simulations would be beneficial. This is an opportunity to develop expertise in cutting-edge methodologies while addressing fundamental scientific questions with broad implications for materials science, environmental science, and biology If you are curious about the molecular mechanisms of biomineral formation and eager to contribute to this rapidly advancing field, we encourage you to apply. This research provides a unique opportunity to work at the intersection of disciplines, using advanced tools to uncover nature's most intricate designs As part of your application package, kindly include: 1. CV (including contact information for 2-3 referees) 2. Cover Letter (this can include: a description of why you want to undertake a PhD; how your previous experiences have prepared you for the research project that you are applying for; what your passions are within or outside of academia) Applications will be accepted until the position is filled. Kindly email your application to: dorrit.jacob@anu.edu.au<mailto:dorrit.jacob@anu.edu.au> Professor Dorrit Jacob FAA Director, Research School of Earth Sciences The Australian National University Building J8, 142 Mills Road, ACTON Canberra ACT 2600, Australia T +61 2 6125 2487 ORCID ID 0000-0003-4744-6627