The research will involve collaboration with an organic chemistry group led by Dr Brendan Wilkinson (University of New England), an experimental soft condensed matter group led by Prof Gary Bryant (RMIT University) and an international authority on phase-field computational methods, Prof Ken Elder (Oakland University, USA). The aim of the project is to use phase-field methods to model the inhibition of crystallisation in aqueous solutions to reduce cell damage in cryopreservation and guide the design of new, synthetic cryoprotectant compounds. Computational results will be validated by comparison with experiments. The Computational Thermal and Statistical Physics group, within the physics discipline of the School of Science at RMIT University, Melbourne, Australia, has access to excellent computing facilities and interacts with a lively and stimulating local community of computational and theoretical researchers, with ample opportunities for learning and the exchange of ideas.

Value and duration

$35,900 per year, including a top-up above the standard RMIT scholarship of $5000 per year, for a maximum of 3 years.

Number of scholarships available

One

Eligibility

The applicant must:

• have a first class Honours Degree (or equivalent Masters by Research) in physics, applied mathematics, chemistry, engineering or a related discipline.
• be an Australian citizen, Australian Permanent Resident, or a self-funded international student.
• be capable of and interested in using theoretical and computational methods to solve soft condensed matter problems
• preferably possess strong background knowledge in thermal and statistical physics

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