News Alerts

NSW to appoint Chief Scientist and Scientific Engineer

The New South Wales Government is to appoint a Chief Scientist and Scientific Engineer, and will also fund an academic position in Engineering Innovation at the University of Sydney.

The Minister for Science and Medical Research, Verity Firth, said the NSW Chief Scientist and Scientific Engineer would be “a champion for the excellent science undertaken in NSW and a strategic adviser on the best ways it can be used to benefit business, society and the environment.”

"A key focus of the NSW Chief Scientist and Scientific Engineer’s work will be to foster the quality and level of scientific activity in NSW. But an equally important role will be to help target research and development capabilities so they effectively support industry and skills growth in our State.”

The NSW Chief Scientist and Scientific Engineer will:

• champion science and scientific education in the community;
• provide expert advice to the Government on scientific and innovation policy matters;
• establish a new channel of engagement between the Government and research groups, including universities; and
• be a key figure in advancing NSW interests in the National Innovation Review.

Ms Firth said the engineering aspect of the position highlighted the critical role played by applied science in turning research into new technologies, applications and
products.

The appointment will be made following consultations with peak bodies, universities and medical research institute.

The Chair of Engineering Innovation at the Warren Centre of Advanced Engineering at the University of Sydney will be funded with $250,000 provided by the NSW Government, matched by the University.

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NSW funding for new institute to focus on HIV/AIDS research

The NSW Premier, Morris Iemma, has announced the government will provide $20 million towards the establishment of a $120 million National Institute for Virology.

The institute, to be located at St Vincent’s Hospital in the Darlinghurst Precinct, will employ 300 scientists with a major focus on HIV/AIDS research. It will be headed by Professor David Cooper, currently Director of the National Centre in HIV Epidemiology and Clinical Research (NCHECR), which has input from 150 researchers around the state. The NCHECR has been awarded a NHMRC research grant of $17.7 million for 2009.

Mr Iemma said the new purpose-built facility would expand the international role of New South Wales researchers in the prevention of HIV and emerging public health issues, such as prevention of Hepatitis C.

The Commonwealth has been asked for matching funding, with the aim of the $120 million development being funded one-third by Government, with the balance provided by philanthropy and UNSW on land provided by the Sisters of Charity. There has been a long-standing interest from a major international foundation to contribute a further $20 million to the project.

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Queensland government funds ICT facilities

The Queensland Government has announced funding support of $18.55 million for two information and communications technology (ICT) research facilities.

The National ICT Australia Queensland Research Laboratory (NICTA QRL) will receive $10.05 million over the next four years and the Queensland Cyber Infrastructure Foundation (QCIF) will receive $8.5 million over three years.

The Premier, Anna Bligh, said the funding is in addition to previous investments by the Queensland Government, taking its commitment to these two facilities to $38.55 million.

Since it opened in 2004 as part of the Queensland Government’s Institute for ICT Innovation, the NICTA QRL laboratory has developed several technologies within its key project ‘Smart Applications for emergencies (SAFE).

For example the laboratory has been working with Queensland Transport to develop a new Intelligent Closed Circuit Television (CCTV) security technology to detect unusual and potentially threatening behaviour around key transit centres.The Queensland Police Service is also using a new software system developed by NICTA QRL for authenticating and protecting digital evidence.Researchers at NICTA QRL have also developed Wireless mesh network technology – a networking solution for emergency services requiring high bandwidth in dynamic situations.

The Premier said the new four-year funding agreement would see greater collaboration between the laboratory and Queensland industry as well as a stronger focus on commercialisation.

The QCIF was established in 2000 by six Queensland universities - Central Queensland University, Griffith University, James Cook University, Queensland University of Technology, the University of Queensland and the University of Southern Queensland.

Chief Executive Officer of QCIF, Professor Bernard Pailthorpe, said the funding would enable the upgrading of essential advanced computing infrastructure and would support a new program designed to assist the State in addressing infrastructure challenges in areas such as urban congestion and water management.

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WA funds low-emission energy projects

The Western Australian Government has awarded grants totaling $6million to two companies to develop technology to help reduce the State’s greenhouse gas emissions and provide greater energy security.

The funding, from the first round of the State Government’s $36.5million Low Emission Energy Development (LEED) fund, will go to:

• Solar Systems Ltd: $4.5million to assist in building a solar power station in Kalgoorlie using a 500-sun concentrator to focus an intense energy beam on efficient solar cells. The power station will supply 1.77 MW of electricity. The total value of the project is $12.8million.
• Future Farm Industries: $1.5million towards the costs of designing, building and testing an oil mallee harvesting machine. Oil Mallees have been recognised for a long time for their potential to provide a bioenergy source which can be grown in combination with conventional cereal cropping systems. The long-living trees also provide significant benefits to biodiversity and soil quality, and can store carbon underground in large woody roots.

The LEED fund is a key initiative of the Premier’s Climate Change Action Statement. The 12 applications for funding under the first round were assessed by an independent expert advisory group, chaired by the State’s chief scientist, Professor Lyn Beazley.

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WA to look at CO2 sequestration centre

The Western Australian Government’s Coal Futures Group has entered an agreement with the Curtin University of Technology to investigate the establishment of a carbon capture and sequestration centre of excellence.

Resources and Energy Minister Francis Logan said the proposed WA Centre for Carbon Capture and Sequestration at Curtin University of Technology would look at the potential for carbon capture and storage, as well as deliver professional and technical training programs in clean coal technology. He said he was keen for the facility to have a base in Collie, the home of WA’s coal industry.

The Minister said the Coal Futures Group was making a significant contribution towards the future of Collie and the coal industry, and was complementing the work by coal companies to develop new opportunities for coal and coal products.

“Their work has included a report identifying the most suitable location for geosequestration in the South-West and the sponsorship of major Australian study into coal gasification."

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Announcements

Call for proposals Round Six 2008 - French Australian Science and Technology (FAST) Program

Call for proposals Round Six 2008
French Australian Science and Technology (FAST) Program

Overview
The Australian Government in conjunction with the Government of the Republic of France has established the French-Australian Science & Technology (FAST) Program. The Program is jointly managed by the Department of Innovation, Industry, Science & Research (Innovation) and its French counterparts, the Ministry of Higher Education and Research (MESR) and the Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs (MAEE).

The objective of FAST is to promote and support scientific and technological cooperation between Australian and French researchers from public and private institutions or enterprises.

Support Available
Under the FAST program, Australia will contribute a total of up to $A250,000 per round and France up to 150,000 € per round.

FAST will provide financial assistance, on a competitive basis, for collaborative research projects (including project specific follow-up meetings) between Australian and French researchers. Eligible activities for funding support are international travel and living expenses only. Accordingly, funding does not extend to insurance, salaries or equipment expenses. Individual applications may request funding for up to 2 years.

Under the FAST program Round Six, applications will be considered for research collaboration in the areas of life sciences, environmental sciences, and energy.

Australian beneficiaries:
Support for successful Australian applicants will be provided by the Innovation Department to the coordinating Australian organisation. .

French beneficiaries:
Support for successful French applicants will be provided by MAEE in France, through the agency EGIDE.

How to Apply
Applications must be for funding for collaboration between Australian and French partners. Each partner must submit an application to their respective Government (Innovation Department for the Australian applicants, EGIDE for the French). The Round Six call-for-proposals round will open on:

Monday 7 July and will close on Monday 18 August, 2008.

Australian applicants should refer to the FAST guidelines, available at https://sciencegrants.dest.gov.au/ISL/, before commencing their application.

French applicants should refer to the EGIDE website:
http://www.egide.asso.fr/fr/programmes/pai/appels/fast.jhtml

Information about the FAST program is also available on the Embassy of France website:
http://www.ambafrance-au.org/article.php3?id_article=1851

Information
If you require more information please direct all specific questions by email to:
Australia – Ms Suzanne Milthorpe, email: isl@innovation.gov.au
France – Mr Sebastien Languille email: science@ambafrance-au.org

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GlaxoSmithKline Australia Post Graduate Support Grant

Announcing the GlaxoSmithKline Australia Post Graduate Support Grant

Our global quest is to improve the quality of human life by enabling people to do more, feel better and live longer. To achieve our quest, GlaxoSmithKline invests up to $35 million each year in Australian research and development - ranking us in Australia’s top 15 R&D companies.*

Support grants for postgraduate research students

GSK Australia is pleased to offer grant awards of up to $15,000 per annum for two years to PhD or Post Doctorate students in the field of human health.

These awards will provide additional financial support to PhD or Post Doctorate research students who are currently in receipt of a research grant from a non-commercial body.

How to apply

For further information and application forms, please visit www.gsk.com.au/research

Closing date for applications and supporting documentation is 5.00pm (AEST) Friday 25 July 2008.

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Conferences & Events

Victorian Minister for Innovation says InnoFuture 08 encourages innovation in Australia

Globally, over two-thirds of wealth is generated through knowledge and services-based industries. The economies thriving in this environment are ones that think beyond traditional, commoditised goods and services.

Victoria is Australia’s strongest non-resource-based state, leading in innovation investment, with a strong focus on commercialising our cutting-edge R&D, building up our research infrastructure and boosting our knowledge and skills base. However, as we are facing increasing challenges from international competition, the key to a sustainable future for all Victorians and for Australia is to support and encourage innovation across our entire economy.

Innovation is a much broader concept than science and R&D and we will continue to drive Victoria’s future by investing in cultural, creative, technical and intellectual infrastructure, building the kind of environment in which ideas, creativity and innovation flourish. Working together through networks that connect ideas and people is central to building a smart, creative, internationally competitive economy that will deliver more high skilled jobs and secure our long-term quality of life.

That is why we are pleased to sponsor the InnoFuture 08 conference, with its focus on encouraging innovation through collaboration, information sharing and mutual support. 

Gavin Jennings MLC, Victorian Minister for Innovation
 

Innovation 2008: InnoFuture 2008

Building Innovation Capacity for the Global Knowledge Economy

InnoFuture is an important forum for managers and thinkers across entire organisations. It was developed in response to the growing need for practical, accountable tools and answers to aid in fast tracking innovation which now depends on the integration of social, economic and environmental objectives in the global context.

In the era of global competition and commoditisation in all industry sectors, business-model innovation is the sustainable way forward. Innovation is an emerging business discipline and it already provides companies that embraced it with fantastic returns. InnoFuture 2008 will present a holistic way of thinking about innovation. It brings together latest models, systems and strategies to create and manage highly competitive and innovative organisations and people. InnoFuture is an inspirational business event designed to take innovation knowledge to the next level of competitiveness. It is about knowledge transfer for businesses and organisations.

For conference dates, location and cost please see the www.innofuture.com.au. Contact: Roxanne Medel, P: (61 3) 8647 5122 F: (61 3) 8647 5161, E: Roxanne.Medel@team.telstra.com.

More about InnoFuture 2008:

InnoFuture Features:
Global Masters of Innovation
Latest Innovation Models and Tools applied by world’s most innovative companies
Hottest Trends in Sustainable and Strategic Innovation
Innovation DNA analysed
Dedicated network of innovative companies and people

Hot Speakers - Global Masters of Innovation and Thought Leadership:
TOM WUJEC Autodesk, Alias (Canada), Return on Imagination
HUNTER LOVINS Natural Capitalism (USA), Drivers of Change
NATHAN SHEDROFF California College of the Arts (USA), Experience Design
ROB SCHADE Strategyn (USA), What Customers Want
MEHRDAD BAGHAI Alchemy Partners, Granularity of Growth
DR TERRY CUTLER National Innovation Review, Chair
DAVID THODEY Telstra, Technology and Innovation Helix
GIAN TARALLI Johnson & Johnson (Brazil), Energizing Innovative Culture

Welcome and special addresses:
PHIL BURGESS Telstra, Technology and the Innovation Helix
HON GAVIN JENNINGS Minister for Innovation, Victoria (invited)

WHEN: 9 - 10 September 2008
WHERE: The Sebel Albert Park, Melbourne, Australia

Info and registrations: www.innofuture.com.au

ENQUIRIES:
InnoFuture Conference Secretariat - Contact: Roxanne Medel, P: (61 3) 8647 5122 F: (61 3) 8647 5161, E: Roxanne.Medel@team.telstra.com

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Australiasian Industrial Research Group Winter Meeting

AUSTRALASIAN INDUSTRIAL RESEARCH GROUP

Winter Meeting at Parliament House, Canberra
27th - 28th August, 2008

“Australian Industrially Oriented R&D towards 2020”

Advance Notice

One important component of AIRG’s ongoing mission is to provide a strong link between the leaders of Australia’s Industrial R&D management and the Federal Government’s policy makers in Canberra. Therefore, our aim with the AIRG’s Winter Meeting each year is to facilitate a wide-ranging and open discussion of the major issues influencing business investment in R&D across Australia, and hence to engage in discussion regarding the ongoing and future competitiveness of Australian companies.

Once again, the AIRG is holding its mid-year meeting in the House of Representatives Alcove of New Parliament House in Canberra on 28th August, 2008. The theme of the winter meeting this year is “Australian Industrially Oriented R&D towards 2020”. This theme builds on key issues revealed at recent AIRG national conferences, but, perhaps more importantly, it has been designed to build and reflect on the outcomes of the current National Innovation Review, the findings of which are expected to be publicly available prior to the meeting.

Given this current and critical topic, we have been able to invite a very strong group of speakers to this winter meeting. They come from various Industrially-oriented Australian R&D providers and work in four critical Australian market segments - Minerals & Mining, Human Health & Biotechnology, Food & Agriculture and Manufacturing. They will speak - from the various viewpoints of research providers who work either within Industry, in Universities, or elsewhere in the Public sector. We anticipate that they will be able to provide us with a broad perspective regarding how they see their roles as R&D providers today and how these may evolve and/or change over the next decade with the prospect of future economic and market shifts.

The Minister for Innovation, Industry, Science and Research, Senator Kim Carr, has agreed to attend part of the meeting and he will address the group around mid-morning on the 28th. Minister Carr has advised us that he is also keen to hear our feedback and will enter into discussions with delegates at the meeting. We are expecting senior staff from his office and the Department to attend the full meeting.

Additionally, as in previous years, a pre-conference dinner meeting will be held at Rydges Hotel, Capital Hill on the evening of 27th August, 2008. As in past years, a number of opposition members of Parliament and Shadow Ministers have committed to attend. Following the change of government at last year’s federal election, we anticipate a most interesting interchange as we hear how policy and views of the alternative government representatives may have evolved over the past year.

We believe that this meeting will provide you with a great opportunity to gain insight into (and to add your weight to) the vision for the role of R&D and technology in Australia over the next decade. You will hear the views of a number of Australia’s leading companies and be able to discuss major issues with policy makers.

For further details and conference registration forms, contact the AIRG Office (Telephone 03 9439 0075 or e-mail airg@bigpond.net.au).

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Further Education

Radar Week: 2-day short courses

RADAR WEEK will follow the 2008 International Conference on Radar in Adelaide, South Australia.

Choose one or two 2-day short courses presented by international experts, dinner and/or a one-day field trip to Yorke Peninsula to explore HF Surface Wave Radar and enjoy the scenery.

Courses will be held in the Conference Centre, Technology Park Adelaide, Mawson Lakes, South Australia.
COST PER COURSE: $1320 (incl. GST) please register before 25 August 2008.
COST FOR TWO COURSES WITH 20% DISCOUNT: $2112 (incl. GST)

Monday–Tuesday, 8–9 September 2008
Surveillance Radar Systems
Presenter:     Prof. Simon Watts, Thales, UK
The course provides an introduction to the radar system concepts encountered in the design and development of surveillance radar systems, with particular emphasis on airborne radars. Each module will provide a basic introduction to the subject area and then cover various topics at a more advanced level.

Signal Analysis Techniques: Time, Frequency, and Spatial Algorithms
Presenter:     Prof. Larry Marple, Oregon State University, USA
Conventional tools for analyzing and mining the feature content of signals are filters (time content) and Fourier transforms (frequency content). This course explores alternative tools to these conventional techniques, which can often produce signal analysis results with finer temporal detail and higher spectral resolution. It will also be shown how to extend these tools to process spatial sensor arrays with a similar increase in spatial detail (higher resolution direction finding).

September 9, 7:30pm
Dinner at Red Ochre Grill, War Memorial Drive, North Adelaide.
Distinguished Guest of Honour:     Mr Neville Stevens AO, Chair NICTA Board,
plus Guest Speaker: Prof Mark Lesturgie, SUPELEC, France.
Cost: $120

Wednesday–Thursday, 10–11 September 2008
Tracking and Data Fusion
Presenter:     Dr Branko Ristic, DSTO, Australia
The course is a thorough overview of tracking and data fusion for surveillance systems with applications both to defense and civilian systems. Filters are the basic building block of radar defense systems that track targets, provide surveillance, avoid collisions, and guide flight. This course introduces the latest advances in nonlinear filters, data association techniques and tracking system designs and examines their application to ballistic missile tracking, GMTI tracking, tracking through the blind Doppler zone and others.

Breakthroughs and New Concepts in Radar: from Bistatic to MIMO Configurations
Presenter:     Prof. Marc Lesturgie, SUPELEC, France
This course provides an introduction to advanced and new concepts of radar, with emphasis on low frequency radar, bistatic/multistatic configurations, new waveform design and MIMO. For each module, a basic introduction will be given before moving on to more advanced topics.

Fundamentals of RF Systems Design and Simulation
Presenter:     Dr Rowan Gilmore, University of Queensland, Australia
This course will focus on tradeoffs in designing wireless systems, and show how to seamlessly move between both the circuit and system level in radio transceivers and other RF systems. We do this by looking at typical radio architectures, exploring the design tradeoffs, and simulating at both the circuit and system level.

Friday, 12 September 2008
Field trip to Yorke Peninsula led by Dr Stuart Anderson to explore HF surface wave radar
The HF Surface Wave Radar tour will depart Adelaide, at 8.00 am and return at approx 8:00 pm. The tour will include morning tea at Ardrossan and lunch at Marion Bay en route to observe the radar.

To view the full Radar Week program and/or to register for any of the above, please see the following website: http://www.nicta.com.au/radar_week

Student discounts and scholarships are available. Please enquire.
Enquiries: Anne-Marie Eliseo, Industry Education Manager, ph: +61 8 8302 3928, email: industryeducation@nicta.com.au.

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IP seminar: Who Owns An Academic Researcher’s Invention?

Spruson and Ferguson will be hosting an IP seminar at the Macquarie Graduate School of Management on Tuesday, 22 July 2008. The seminar entitled, ‘Who Owns An Academic Researcher’s Invention? Find out about University of Western Australia v Gray from one of the barristers involved’ is presented by Michael Green of the NSW Bar.

The two hour seminar will answer many critical questions including:

- Does a researcher’s employment include a duty to invent?
- Can the duty to invent be vested in the employer by contract?
- What should assignees ask about past assignments from researchers and/or research organisations?
- Where does one draw the line between conception and reduction to practice?
- What are the policy considerations for research organisations in relation to inventions made by academic researchers? 

For further information on this seminar, please contact:

TECH IP Professional Development - T: 03 9 523 7207 or E: information@techip.com.au or download the brochure at www.techip.com.au/IPSeminars08  
(NSW Bar)

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Positions Vacant

Research Assistant/Officer - Psycho-Oncology (up to 3 positions available)

Research Assistant/Officer - Psycho-Oncology (up to 3 positions available)
CeMPED
Faculty of Medicine
Reference No. 134106

Up to three motivated, enthusiastic Research Assistants are required to support a series of research studies investigating the incidence of cognitive changes after a cancer diagnosis and interventions to avoid or resolve these symptoms. These projects are part of the research programme of Dr Janette Vardy, who will oversee the conduct and progress of the research program. The Research Assistants will provide assistance with other studies and administrative support as required.

These positions are based in the Central Clinical School as a component of the Centre for Medical Psychology and Evidence-based Decision-making (CeMPED), a newly established, cross-Faculty/disciplinary University of Sydney Research Centre, currently employing over 40 staff. CeMPED’s mission is to support excellent research across the interface of Psychology, Medicine and Public Health to answer questions about: the behavioural factors which promote good health and prevent disease; ways to enhance the psychosocial adjustment of patients and carers; ways to increase use of evidence in health care decision making; and ways to support patients to be more involved in their own health care. CeMPED’s research strengths lie in three themes: doctor-patient communication; evidence-based, shared decision making; and Psycho-Oncology. With particular expertise in cancer care, CeMPED’s members have over 20 years of experience in this field.

These challenging and rewarding roles will involve coordination and administrative support to the project leader, direct patient contact, recruitment, follow-up, neuropsychological testing, and assistance with: the development of study materials, submission of ethics applications and maintenance of project files, records and databases. Due to the nature of this work, attention to detail and high-level organisational skills are essential.

These roles require confident communicators with exceptional interpersonal skills, who will liaise with researchers, health professionals, collaborating stakeholders as well as cancer patients. The successful candidates will need to be able to interact with a diverse range of people, and work well both autonomously and as part of a team.
A degree in Psychology, Nursing, Health Sciences, or equivalent experience, is essential and experience in conducting clinical research projects is desirable. Knowledge of, or experience in, psycho-oncology or neuropsychological research, facilitating support groups or rehabilitation groups will be highly advantageous.

These positions are full-time or part-time (a minimum of 14 hours a week is required), fixed term for 12 months, subject to the completion of a satisfactory probation period for new appointees. Membership of a University approved superannuation scheme is a condition of employment for new appointees.

Remuneration package Level 5: up to $60,660 - $67,969 p.a. pro rata (which includes a base salary $51,258 - $57,435 p.a., leave loading and up to 17% employer’s contribution to superannuation).

Remuneration package Level 6: up to $69,800 - $75,283 p.a. pro rata (which includes a base salary $58,982 - $63,615 p.a., leave loading and up to 17% employer’s contribution to superannuation).

Remuneration package Level 7: up to $76,656 - $83,511 p.a. pro rata (which includes a base salary $64,775 - $70,568 p.a., leave loading and up to 17% employer’s contribution to superannuation).

Level of remuneration will be commensurate with qualifications and experience.

For more information or to apply online, please visit http://positions.usyd.edu.au and search by reference number 134106. Specific enquiries about the role can be directed to Haryana Dhillon on (02) 9036 5392. General enquiries can be directed to Cherie Goodwin on (02) 9036 7107.

Closing Date: 18 July 2008

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Postdoctoral Fellow/Research Fellow in Physics and Chemistry of Polymers (Ref No: 133790)

Postdoctoral Fellow/Research Fellow in Physics and Chemistry of Polymers
Reference No. 133790

An exciting research position is available to join a strategic research team which is developing bonding technologies for polymers and focussed on successful commercial outcomes for industry. This position is part of a collaborative research program between the University of Sydney, Cochlear Ltd and Raymax Applications Pty Ltd.

Please note that an additional postdoctoral/research fellow opportunity exists in Laser and Plasma interactions with Polymers, for more information visit http://positions.usyd.edu.au and search by reference number 133790.

Cochlear is a world leading manufacturer of implantable devices for the restoration of hearing to the profoundly deaf. Raymax is a Sydney based company that develops and supplies industrial laser technologies to industry. The project aims to develop hermetic bonding of polymers initially for biomedical applications using laser and plasma physics methods. New technologies will benefit from the ability to produce strong hermetic bonds between polymers without the need for adhesives.

The appointee will be given the opportunity of co-authorship of world class research papers and of interacting with two of Australia's most successful high technology companies. The position is available initially for a three year period and will be appointed at either Postdoctoral Fellow level (Level A) or Research Fellow level (Level B).

This appointee will be responsible for demonstration of the performance of bonded polymer surfaces and their suitability for application to implantable medical devices. The properties of the bonded components will be examined and stress-strain testing with analysis of failure modes will be conducted. Accelerated testing of bonded prototype components will be conducted in simulated implant conditions. The resistance of the bonds to permeation by liquids and gases will be determined. Tests for hermeticity and biocompatibility will be developed and conducted with support from Cochlear.

To succeed at Level A, the successful candidate will have a PhD in physics, chemistry, materials science or engineering with experience in polymer science. Experience in stress strain testing, research reporting and scientific publication will be essential, as will a demonstrable ability to publish high-quality research and collaborate with onsite and offsite researchers. Well-developed written and oral communication skills, data management skills and a good level of computer literacy will also be required.

To succeed at Level B, the successful candidate will meet the above criteria for Level A and additionally possess experience in postdoctoral research, project management and the mentoring of research trainees and students. A substantial record of peer-reviewed publications and presentations will also be required.

The position is full-time fixed term for three years, subject to the completion of a satisfactory probation period for new appointees. Membership of a University approved superannuation scheme is a condition of employment for new appointees.

Level of appointment and responsibility will be commensurate with qualifications and experience.

Remuneration package Level A: $76,754 - $82,389 (which includes a base salary $64,858 - $69,620 p.a., leave loading and up to 17% employer’s contribution to superannuation).

Remuneration package Level B: $86,731 - $102,993 p.a. (which includes a base salary $73,289 - $87,030 p.a., leave loading and up to 17% employer’s contribution to superannuation).

This project will also require two PhD students to work on a scholarship basis.

For more information or to apply online, please visit http://positions.usyd.edu.au and search by reference number 133790. Specific enquiries about this role and the PhD scholarships can be directed to Professor David McKenzie on 02 9351 5986 or by email d.mckenzie@physics.usyd.edu.au alternatively to Dr Natalie James by email njames@cochlear.com.au. General enquiries can be directed to Fabrice Noël on 02 9036 7295.

Closing Date: 30 July 2008

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Postdoctoral Fellow/Research Fellow in Laser and Plasma Interactions with Polymers (Ref No: 133734)

Postdoctoral Fellow/Research Fellow in Laser and Plasma Interactions with Polymers
Physics and Chemistry of Polymers for Medical Device Engineering
Reference No. 133734

An exciting research position is available to join a strategic research team which is developing bonding technologies for polymers and focussed on successful commercial outcomes for industry. This position is part of a collaborative research program between the University of Sydney, Cochlear Ltd and Raymax Applications Pty Ltd.

Please note that an additional postdoctoral/research fellow opportunity exists in Physics and Chemistry of Polymers for Medical Device Engineering, for more information visit http://positions.usyd.edu.au and search by reference number 133734.

Cochlear is a world leading manufacturer of implantable devices for the restoration of hearing to the profoundly deaf. Raymax is a Sydney based company that develops and supplies industrial laser technologies to industry. The project aims to develop hermetic bonding of polymers initially for biomedical applications using laser and plasma physics methods. New technologies will benefit from the ability to produce strong hermetic bonds between polymers without the need for adhesives.

The appointee will be given the opportunity of co-authorship of world class research papers and of interacting with two of Australia's most successful high technology companies. The position is available initially for a three year period and will be appointed at either Postdoctoral Fellow level (Level A) or Research Fellow level (Level B).

The appointee will be responsible for the modification of polymer surfaces using plasmas and the bonding of the surfaces with state-of-the-art laser technologies. Surface analysis of polymers using techniques such as contact angle measurement and a range of spectroscopies such as FTIR, UV and XPS will be conducted. Analysis of the bonding mechanisms will be carried out using modelling, including finite element methods.

To succeed at Level A, the successful candidate will have a PhD in physics, chemistry, materials science or engineering and expertise in modelling that includes finite element methods. Knowledge of physics or chemistry of plasmas and knowledge of the basic physics of the interactions of light and laser light with solids will be important. Experience with research reporting and scientific publication will be essential, as will a demonstrable ability to publish high-quality research and collaborate with researchers. Well-developed written and oral communication skills, data management skills and a good level of computer literacy will also be required.

To succeed at Level B, the successful candidate will meet the above criteria for Level A and additionally possess experience in postdoctoral research, project management and the mentoring of research trainees and students. A substantial record of peer-reviewed publications and presentations will also be required.

The position is full-time fixed term for three years, subject to the completion of a satisfactory probation period for new appointees. Membership of a University approved superannuation scheme is a condition of employment for new appointees.

Level of appointment and responsibility will be commensurate with qualifications and experience.

Remuneration package Level A: $76,754 - $82,389 (which includes a base salary $64,858 - $69,620 p.a., leave loading and up to 17% employer’s contribution to superannuation).

Remuneration package Level B: $86,731 - $102,993 p.a. (which includes a base salary $73,289 - $87,030 p.a., leave loading and up to 17% employer’s contribution to superannuation).

This project will also require two PhD students to work on a scholarship basis.

For more information or to apply online, please visit http://positions.usyd.edu.au and search by reference number 133734. Specific enquiries about this role and the PhD scholarships can be directed to Professor David McKenzie on 02 9351 5986 or by email d.mckenzie@physics.usyd.edu.au alternatively to Dr Natalie James by email njames@cochlear.com.au. General enquiries can be directed to Fabrice Noël on 02 9036 7295.

Closing Date: 30 July 2008

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Business Services

Spruson&Ferguson: patent and trade mark attorneys

With over 120 years experience, Spruson & Ferguson is a leading intellectual property firm in Australia which provides a fully integrated service for the protection, commercialisation and enforcement of your intellectual property.

Spruson & Ferguson is one of the largest intellectual property firms in Australia, with a team of over 220. Our 60 plus patent and trade mark attorneys and lawyers work in specialised practice areas; Chemical/Life Sciences, Mechanical, Electrical/Information & Communications Technologies (ICT) and Trade Marks, together with Spruson & Ferguson Lawyers which provides intellectual property commercialisation, enforcement and dispute resolution services.

Spruson & Ferguson’s patent and trade mark attorneys and lawyers have extensive intellectual property and industry experience in science and engineering including pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, electronics, phototonics, transport, telecommunications, mining, publishing, consumer products, ceramics, chemistry and mechanical/medical technologies.

The depth of our industry experience is an attribute that many of our clients hold in high regard. Spruson & Ferguson is a recognised as a market leader with multinationals and many of Australia’s foremost research institutions entrusting to us to protect and assisting with the maximisation of returns on their intellectual property assets.

Our comprehensive range of services includes patents, trademarks, designs, domain names, IP audits, due diligence, dispute resolution and litigation and intellectual property commercialisation services including licensing, joint ventures and research and development collaborations.

For more information about our comprehensive range of intellectual property services, please contact one of the following relationship principals:

Chemical: Dr John McCann BSc (Hons) PhD FIPTA
Life Sciences: Dr Andrew Blattman BScAgr (Hons) PhD GDipIP FIPTA
Electrical: Robert Miller BE BLegS FIPTA
ICT: Scott Berggren BSEE MSEE LLB FIPTA
Mechanical: Greg Turner BE FIPTA
Trade Marks: Annette Freeman BA LLB (ANU) LLM (UTS)
IP Commercialisation: Rob McInnes BSc (Hons) LLB (Syd)
IP Litigation & Dispute Resolution: Simon Williams BA LLB (Syd) LLM (Lond)
Managing Principal: David Griffith BE (Hons) FIPTA

Telephone: (02) 9393 0100
Fax: (02) 9261 5486
Email mail@sprusons.com.au
Website here 

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