We are advertising an exciting new PhD project at the University of Auckland, New Zealand. This programme takes part in the recently awarded national MBIE Fund 'Developing platforms for biological research in microgravity'. The main project involves the development of a spectroscopic method and instrument that can assess the crystallization status of proteins in microgravity environments (such as the International Space Station). This project will be interesting from a fundamental scientific point of view, and will have an impact on the pharmaceutical sector. The project will be based at the Photon Factory at the University of Auckland, and be supervised by Dr. Freddy Lyzwa and Prof. Cather Simpson. The PhD student will be working in an interdisciplinary and international environment in the field of laser physics, spectroscopy/microscopy, optical engineering, and bio(-chemistry).Requirements (essential): • Finished Bachelor’s degree with Honors, or Master’s degree in Physics, Engineering, Chemistry or related• Hands-on experience with lasers and optical components• Strong interest in Photonics, Spectroscopy, Microscopy• Proficiency in English (for citizens of non-English-speaking countries)• Excellent gradesRequirements (preferred): • Experience with AutoCAD, Python, LabVIEW or similar• Experience with protein crystallization processesPlease send your expression of interest with your CV, academic transcripts (including GPE) and the names of two referees to:Dr. Freddy Lyzwa: [email protected]