Mechanical Measurements using Ion Pipette Aspiration: Collaborative Experiments University of Auckland in New Zealand

Many types of microparticle are soft: they deform and even flow when they are squashed and squeezed. The mechanical (or more fully, rheological) behaviour of these particles turns out to be very important for very many research fields. For example, there are open research questions about the mechanics of the cells that make up our bodies, eggs used for in vitro fertilization, colloids that make up food and beverages, the zoospores of Kauri Dieback, and the liposomes that carry medical payloads such as the new RNA vaccines.Researchers, clinicians and technicians working with these soft particles do not typically have the equipment to easily measure their mechanical properties. This project will develop portable, adaptable technology known as ‘Ion Pipette Aspiration’ for quick, accurate and effective mechanical measurements. During development, the technology will be deployed via collaborations with a network of experts across many academic disciplines, with the aim of producing a series of first-of-their-kind research studies.PhD studentships are available to support this project by carrying out collaborative experiments using small, soft microparticles, probing the limits of what can be achieved. The student will use the data resulting from these measurements to develop the models and methods required to measure mechanical properties.This represents a rare opportunity to carry out transdisciplinary work collaborating with a range of highly-skilled academic groups. There will be opportunities for international travel, and we anticipate high-impact research outputs to go alongside technological developments. We are looking for students with a strong Honours or Masters degree in soft matter physics, physical or analytical chemistry, engineering, or a related field.The project is affiliated with two of New Zealand’s Centres of Research Excellence (the MacDiarmid Institute and the Dodd-Walls Centre), providing access to excellent academic and practical training, and to a comprehensive range of tools and expertise throughout New Zealand. The student will benefit from the MacDiarmid Institute’s thriving postgraduate community which delivers various opportunities for personal development. For example, the CRISP programme offers vocational training to enable a smooth transition into an exciting career beyond the PhD.