Current opportunities
PROSPECTIVE RESEARCHERS
Competitive PhD Scholarships are available for enthusiastic qualified candidates on a variety of research topics
For both local and international applicants, please check here for information on the range of competitive Higher Degree Research (HDR) Scholarships available.
For candidates from Germany, Austria and Switzerland to undertake doctoral research at UNSW there is are specialised stipends available, please see GOstralia! here for details.
AVAILABLE RESEARCH PROJECTS
Prospective researchers at all levels are encouraged to contact Dr Rijs to discuss their research interests. Below are some current projects we are seeking students to work on:
Catching Structures within Dynamic Combinatorial Libraries
Dynamic combinatorial libraries (DCL) are self-assembling components in equilibrium. Depending on the ligand elbow different shaped oligomers are possible. DCL allow a high throughput screening for useful shaped molecules. Many can lead to useful supramolecules.
In this project, robotically generated DCLs using diketonate ligands will be monitored for the stoichiometry & shape of the evolving molecular assemblies. We will push the reactions in different ways, using additives and other changes to solution conditions.
Assemblies of Relevance to Agriculture and Human Protection
Non-protein amino acids and their analogues are significant in our enviroment, from ubiqitous herbicides like Glyphosate, to chemical warfare agents, to toxins produced by cyanobacteria. Recently β-(N-Methylamino)-L-alanine (BMAA) has been implicated in ALS and Alzheimer's disease and is not uncommonly found in waterways in regional NSW due to algal blooms.
In this project a combinatorial approach based on robotics will be used to screen the metal complexes of BMAA and its structural analogue 2,4-diaminobutyric acid (2,4-DAB) to discover how they behave dynamically and interact with metal ions in solution.
Encapsulation Exquisitely Probed by Ion-Mobility
Cryptophanes are known for their extraordinary complexation properties in water. They can capture molecules, such as methane or metal cations. They are targets for gas sensing, environmental remediation of thallium in water, and delivery of agents for MRI contrast.
In this project, ion mobility mass spectrometry will be used to study the encapsulation properties of diverse cryptophane complexes, to help explain the origins of their complexation.
Clusters as Model Systems for Enzymatic Sites
Our ability to control chemical reactions is determined by the ability to observe them. Enzymatic reactions are notoriously difficult to observe. In this project, metals-ligand assemblies of urea, guanidine, formamide, & nucleobases will be analysed as well-defined models for enzymatic sites.
Antibiotics and the Significance of their Metal Complexes
Metal complexes of antibiotics are important, e.g. they may inactivate their mode of action, or be critical to steps in breaking down bacterial biofilms. In this project, the structures of metal complexes of antibiotics of global importance will be analysed to understand their role and underpinning mechanisms.
Please inquire directly to Dr. Rijs, including a motivation statement and relevant qualifications.
Competitive PhD Scholarships are available for enthusiastic qualified candidates on a variety of research topics
For both local and international applicants, please check here for information on the range of competitive Higher Degree Research (HDR) Scholarships available.
For candidates from Germany, Austria and Switzerland to undertake doctoral research at UNSW there is are specialised stipends available, please see GOstralia! here for details.
AVAILABLE RESEARCH PROJECTS
Prospective researchers at all levels are encouraged to contact Dr Rijs to discuss their research interests. Below are some current projects we are seeking students to work on:
Catching Structures within Dynamic Combinatorial Libraries
Dynamic combinatorial libraries (DCL) are self-assembling components in equilibrium. Depending on the ligand elbow different shaped oligomers are possible. DCL allow a high throughput screening for useful shaped molecules. Many can lead to useful supramolecules.
In this project, robotically generated DCLs using diketonate ligands will be monitored for the stoichiometry & shape of the evolving molecular assemblies. We will push the reactions in different ways, using additives and other changes to solution conditions.
Assemblies of Relevance to Agriculture and Human Protection
Non-protein amino acids and their analogues are significant in our enviroment, from ubiqitous herbicides like Glyphosate, to chemical warfare agents, to toxins produced by cyanobacteria. Recently β-(N-Methylamino)-L-alanine (BMAA) has been implicated in ALS and Alzheimer's disease and is not uncommonly found in waterways in regional NSW due to algal blooms.
In this project a combinatorial approach based on robotics will be used to screen the metal complexes of BMAA and its structural analogue 2,4-diaminobutyric acid (2,4-DAB) to discover how they behave dynamically and interact with metal ions in solution.
Encapsulation Exquisitely Probed by Ion-Mobility
Cryptophanes are known for their extraordinary complexation properties in water. They can capture molecules, such as methane or metal cations. They are targets for gas sensing, environmental remediation of thallium in water, and delivery of agents for MRI contrast.
In this project, ion mobility mass spectrometry will be used to study the encapsulation properties of diverse cryptophane complexes, to help explain the origins of their complexation.
Clusters as Model Systems for Enzymatic Sites
Our ability to control chemical reactions is determined by the ability to observe them. Enzymatic reactions are notoriously difficult to observe. In this project, metals-ligand assemblies of urea, guanidine, formamide, & nucleobases will be analysed as well-defined models for enzymatic sites.
Antibiotics and the Significance of their Metal Complexes
Metal complexes of antibiotics are important, e.g. they may inactivate their mode of action, or be critical to steps in breaking down bacterial biofilms. In this project, the structures of metal complexes of antibiotics of global importance will be analysed to understand their role and underpinning mechanisms.
Please inquire directly to Dr. Rijs, including a motivation statement and relevant qualifications.