System Design and Optimisation for Plasma Processing Research Translation

Summary

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Project will focus on designing, building, testing and validating pilot scale up systems based on plasma principles, diagnostics and models.

Research Areas:

Plasma, System Design, Surface Modification

Supervisor

Professor Marcela Bilek.

Research location

Biomedical Engineering

Synopsis

Our research has identified a number of novel surface treatments and demonstrated that they can provide significant value across a range of biomedical and industrial applications. Current research is focussed on developing scaled up plasma systems to translate these research achievements into real-world products and services for positive impact. Applications include next generation cell culture platforms, medical diagnostic kits, and medical implants. These plasma treatments can be conducted with either low, or atmospheric pressure plasma systems, and can create plasma polymerised nanoparticles (PPN) of great interest for pharmaceutical applications. Candidates will conduct research in collaboration with industry partners, such as Culturon (https://www.culturon.com.au/), translation organisations, such as the SMART CRC (https://smartcrc.com.au/), and complementary research organisations.

The successful candidate will conduct plasma process diagnostics, surface modification experiments including surface characterisation and hardware modifications to achieve the desired plasma conditions in scaled systems. A key goal is gaining deeper understanding of and discovering ways to improve the plasma processes and treatments. Considerations include gas flow dynamics, electric fields, gas composition, parasitic discharges, optimisation of system geometries, plasma density analysis, deposition rates, tuning the chemical composition of coatings, complex surface geometries, treatment consistency etc.

The successful candidate will help bring cutting edge technology to patients, customers, and businesses for global benefit.

Offering:

The successful candidate will be awarded a scholarship for 3.5 years at the RTP stipend rate (currently $41,753 in 2025) subject to satisfactory academic performance. International applicants will receive a tuition fee scholarship for upto 3.5 years.

Successful candidates must have:

• an Honours degree (First Class or First Class Honours Equivalent) or a Master's degree with a substantial research component
• Demonstrated lab experience & research excellence from an Honours, or Master’s degree including substantial research. 
• Sufficient proficiency in physics, engineering, and surface science to conduct relevant hands-on experiments.
• Proficiency in scientific writing and oral communication.
• The capacity to work proactively and professionally within a team.
• Preferably existing proficiency with plasma systems, including vacuum systems, high voltage pulsed power and plasma diagnostics, such as optical emission spectroscopy (OES) and Langmuir probes.
• Preferably existing proficiency with 3D printing and/or advanced manufacturing.
• Preferably experience with surface analysis techniques, including FTIR, XPS, SEM, AFM, profilometry, etc.
• Preferably experience working with industry partners
• Preferably experience working on multidisciplinary/interdisciplinary projects. Ideally biomedical, or clinical. 

How to Apply:

To apply, please email marcela.bilek@sydney.edu.au the following:

• CV
• Transcripts

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Opportunity ID

The opportunity ID for this research opportunity is 3685

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