Research Associate: Interfacial Crystallisation (level Aras)

About the Role

 

The Research Associate: Interfacial Crystallisation will contribute to the research efforts of the Future Industries Institute (FII), in particular in relation to the Fonterra project titled ‘Emulsifier Distribution and Crystal Position and Morphology in relation to Crystallisation and Stability of Blended Fat Systems’. The Research Associate will undertake work concerned with the use of novel techniques to characterise and inform the process of interfacial crystallisation of lipids in emulsions formulated from oil blends. The research is to be undertaken within the team of Associate Professor (in Physical Chemistry) Marta Krasowska, and Professor (in Physical Chemistry) David Beattie. 

About UniSA

The University of South Australia is Australia’s University of Enterprise. Our culture of innovation is anchored around global and national links to academic, research and industry partners. Our graduates are the new urban professionals, global citizens at ease with the world and ready to create and respond to change. Our research is inventive and adventurous and we create new knowledge that is central to global economic and social prosperity.

UniSA STEM links engineering, mathematics, science, defence and cybersecurity, environmental science, aviation, information technology, construction and project management, harnessing the connections across disciplines to bring big ideas to fruition. Our researchers are solution focused and collaborative to deliver technical expertise and advice to industry, government and community groups to make commercially viable and sustainable impacts. We integrate research into our teaching, with students working alongside researchers in first-class facilities, what’s discovered one day is taught the next. Our graduates are entrepreneurs and trailblazers, who design and build the world they want to live in. UniSA STEM also incorporates leading edge research organisations; the Future Industries Institute, the Australian Research Centre for Interactive and Virtual Environments and the Centre for Industrial Artificial Intelligence (AI). 

The Future Industries Institute brings together world-class strength in high-tech manufacturing, nanomedicine, minerals and resource engineering plus environmental science, with the end goal of building economic growth through innovative partnerships and translational research. The Institute builds on the significant capability, infrastructure and reputation of the University’s existing research strengths and substantial research infrastructure and supports state and national research priorities.

Core Responsibilities 

Conduct high-quality research, under limited supervision and in collaboration with industry and other stakeholders

Design and perform experiments for the: Characterisation of the oil-water interface using Profile Analysis TensiometryCharacterisation of the interfacial crystallisation using Synchrotron-based Small/Wide Angle X-ray Scattering (SAXS/WAXS) and Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM)Characterisation of surfactant and lipid crystal distribution across the interface using SAXS/WAXS and microimaging Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR)Characterisation of the oil-water interface using ATR FTIR spectroscopy

Assist to prepare and submit the ANSTO Australian Synchrotron proposal for SAXS/WAXS beamtime

Draft reports and/or report sections, for submission to project stakeholders

Under the direction of the Associate Professor and Professor in Physical Chemistry, provide advice to postgraduate and undergraduate students, internship students and visiting students in the appointee’s area of expertise

Essential Skills and Experience  

A PhD degree or thesis in the final stages of preparation in physical chemistry, colloid and interface science, chemical engineering, or applied science, in conjunction with relevant research experience 

Demonstrated skills and experience in using Profile Analysis Tensiometry for the characterisation of emulsifiers, formulation and characterisation of emulsions, development of new approaches allowing liquid-liquid interfacial characterisation, using Synchrotron techniques for interfacial/colloidal studies, in particular Small and Wide Angle X-ray Scattering, and working with AFM

A record of peer reviewed publications and conference presentations commensurate with opportunity

Proven ability to work cooperatively in a research team with staff and students from diverse backgrounds

Demonstrated high level of communication skills and computer literacy, including presentation of scientific results to various stakeholders

Benefits 

Getting a great job working with the best is just the start. UniSA rewards its staff with a wide variety of benefits such as: 

Access to great personal development opportunities 

Generous superannuation contributions of 17% 

Employee assistance and development programs 

A range of salary packaging options, including vehicle leasing, laptops and car parking fees 

Various on-site services available at our campuses which may include on-site gym membership 

Culture

As a University of Enterprise, we offer a dynamic and agile workplace culture, one that embraces challenges and thrives on breaking new ground. Our staff are creative and innovative thinkers, communicating with clarity, conviction and enthusiasm. We embrace diversity and inclusion in a vibrant, engaging environment. Our people are authentic, resilient, and influential, and we deliver results.