The Department of Chemistry at the University of Sussex, UK is offering a fully funded PhD-Studentship
under the supervision of Dr Mark Osborne (http://www.sussex.ac.uk/lifesci/osbornelab)

Single Molecule Photophysics of Quantum Dots and Applications to Super-Resolution Imaging

Quantum dots (QDs), are now widely used as fluorescent probes in biological imaging,
sensitizers in solar cells and electroluminescent sources in LED and display technologies.
QDs offer superior, brightness and long term photostability compared to flourescent dyes or
proteins, but display instabilities that can be detrimental to their performance. Fluorescence
intermittency (FI), photoluminescence enhancement (PLE) and photoinduced bluing (PIB) are
properties that collectively are not well understood.

We have developed a simple but comprehensive model of QD photodynamics that is fully
parameterised and testable. The project aims to test the model against varying QD core-shell
compositional and structural properties.  Single molecule spectroscopy will be used to
investigate FI, PLE and spectral diffusion and bluing.  In addition, we aim to  develop and
apply novel, time-resolved imaging techniques to explore QD photophysics over the full dynamic
range in time, from ps-hrs. Standard and modified synthetic routes to core-shell
nanocrystals will be employed to investigate photodynamic control via shell and surface modification.
A quantitative and predictive model of QD photophysics is expected to impact the rational
design of QDs to engineer-in or -out the properties of FI, PLE or PIB for specific applications.
We aim to apply QDs in the development of a novel super-resolution imaging technique for molecular
counting and structural resolution in protein-protein interactions.

The project involves a level of collaboration between chemists, engineers and biologists in the
Genome Damage and Stability Centre and provides an opportunity for cross-disciplinary interaction
and experience.

Applications are invited from students with an appropriate background in
chemistry, physical chemistry or chemical physics, with an interest in spectroscopy, microscopy
and simulation. In addition the knowledge of or experience in nanoparticle synthesis
may be an advantage. The studentship is available to UK/EU applicants only and candidates must
have received at least a 2:1 or equivalent in their first degree.

Informal enquiries can be made to Dr. Mark Osborne by email:
m.osborne(a)sussex.ac.uk or tel: 01273 678328
Formal applications should be made using our online application system
at http://www.sussex.ac.uk/study/pg/applying/
or to the Research& Enterprise Co-ordinator, Deeptima Massey
(D.Massey(a)sussex.ac.uk).