12th ANFF-VIC Tech Ambassador announced
RMIT University’s Assoc Prof Sharath Sriram has been announced as a new ANFF-VIC Technology Ambassador, joining 11 other leaders in their respective fields as champions for the open-access network of micro- and nano-fabrication capabilities.
Sharath and his team focus on discoveries in materials science and device engineering at the convergence of electronics, applied physics, and physical chemistry. They draw on expertise in micro/nanofabrication, thin films synthesis, materials characterisation, condensed matter physics, surface chemistry, and electronic engineering.
Sharath and his team are long term users of ANFF-VIC and MCN, relying on the network’s expertise in nanoelectronics, nanophotonics, and terahertz technology.
Current research activities include:
- Oxygen-deficient functional oxide thin films
- Nanoscale and neuromorphic devices and circuits
- Stretchable and flexible devices
- Nanoelectronic materials and technologies
- Nanophotonic devices and circuits
- Terahertz metasurfaces and devices
“In all our work, we engineer new functionalities in thin film materials and incorporate these into micro/nano-scale devices,” Sharath explained. “To effectively harness the functionality of these novel materials, their integration into devices has to be well designed, to account for the chemical and physical attributes that render them functional. Through this we make phase-change materials, dielectrics with extreme or tunable properties, and ultra-thin materials.”
Since the TA scheme was initiated in 2011, Ambassadors have been selected from a broad range of disciplines, each with their own unique demands for micro/nanotechnology.
In addition to their core research activities, ANFF-VIC TAs use their considerable expertise to create new processes that benefit the ANFF-VIC user community and undergo in-kind cooperative activities reflecting the current and emerging needs of researchers in their respective fields.
In Sharath’s case, this in-kind contribution will involve the development of new wafer bonding techniques and pushing the boundaries of MCN’s NanoFrazor capability.
ANFF CEO recognised in Australian Financial Review’s 100 Women of Influence 2018
We are proud to announce that ANFF CEO, Rosemary (Rosie) Julia Hicks, has been selected as one of the Australian Financial Review’s 100 Women of Influence 2018. The list features women working across a spectrum of industries demonstrating a strong sense of commitment to a cause.
The Australian Financial Review 100 Women of Influence Awards presented by Qantas encompasses 10 categories, with the aim of identifying a diverse group of women championing change in business and society. The awards aim to uncover and promote Australian women who have dedicated their time and energy to help and encourage other women in their industry, and who are fighting for change every day.
This year’s list was chosen from a record 850 entries. To view the full list of the 2018 100 Women of Influence alumni, please click here.
The winners of each of the 10 categories and the overall winner will be announced at a gala dinner in Sydney on October 17. Tickets for the gala awards evening go on sale to the general public on Tuesday 11 September. If you have any queries, please contact afrwomenofinfluence@fairfaxmedia.com.au.
Join the ANFF team – COO position open for national network
The Australian National Fabrication Facility is seeking an outstanding Chief Operating Officer to lead the implementation of the strategic direction of the organisation and meet performance standards.
ANFF was established in 2007 under the Australian Government’s National Collaborative Research Infrastructure Strategy (NCRIS). ANFF links CSIRO and 19 universities to provide researchers and industry with access to state-of-the-art micro and nano fabrication facilities. The investment now exceeds $300 million and employs 112 FTE staff, across the eight nodes of ANFF.
Each facility offers a specific area of expertise including advanced materials, nanoelectronics & photonics and bio nano applications. The ANFF commitment to providing a world-class user facility is underpinned by the sharing of best practice in service provision across the network. See www.anff.org.au
This senior leadership position will oversee the application of the ANFF Access and Pricing Policies at the local node level and requires regular and constructive interaction with the Facility Managers to ensure the seamless and complementary operation of the distributed sites.
The role represents a senior appointment responsible for all aspects of reporting to Government. Excellent written communication skills are required for the production of reports and promotional material. A high level of financial literacy is essential.
To be successful in this role, candidates must demonstrate a passion for excellence and be able to work autonomously with minimal supervision in providing support to the CEO.
This is an outstanding opportunity for an experienced COO with a proven track record of achievement in a growing enterprise and creative problem-solving to join an innovative research facility and contribute to its future success.
Click here for more information.
Job advertised: Platform Technologies Specialist
ANFF-VIC partners at the University of Melbourne are currently advertising for a new platform technologies specialist to manage the Helium Ion Microscopy node of the Materials Characterisation and Fabrication Platform (MCFP).
The successful applicant will play an integral role in carrying out exceptional service and technical support for the HIM, including the operation of the HIM for researchers, maintenance of the HIM, the provision of expert microscopy advice, development of research projects and collaborations, and the development of new techniques.
Applications close 9th September, click here for more information.
Staff unavailability in September
The majority of MCN Staff will be travelling to Adelaide for an inaugural ANFF Staff Retreat on Sept 12-13th.
The MCN will remain fully open and all equipment allowed to be booked per normal working hours, however, during these two days staff resources for training and direct instrument assistance will be limited.
Please plan your activity accordingly and discuss any critical work with staff prior to these dates.
Scholarships available with CSIRO Manufacturing
CSIRO Manufacturing is currently offering the opportunity for outstanding full-time postgraduates to receive top-up scholarships and to work on a number of exciting research projects.
These opportunities are part of the CSIRO’s Postgraduate Scholarship Program, and are valued between $7,000 and $10,000 per annum.
The projects include:
- Quantum sensing and devices;
- Production of new functional materials and their applications;
- Biomedical device technologies for infection control;
- Multiphysics and multiscale modelling of metallic processes for additive manufacturing;
- Materials and Modelling for Autonomous Systems;
Head to the CSIRO Job site for more information.
Registrations now open for Thinking BIG with Nano
Registrations are now open for Thinking BIG with Nano, a workshop tailored for early-career researchers and late-stage PhD candidates.
The event will showcase research translation in nanotechnology and provide facilitated training in taking ideas from concepts to a viable business.
The Australian Nanotechnology Network and the Australian National Fabrication Facility in partnership with RMIT University present ‘Thinking BIG with Nano’.
Final schedule announced for Nanofabulous Winter Workshop 2018
We have now finalised the schedule for next weeks event, please view this attachment to find out more.
The document also contains last minute information that will make it a little easier to find us.
Prize draw – IP outcomes survey
ANFF-VIC is asking all users to fill out a 2-minute survey of IP outcomes between 1 July 2017 and 30 June 2018.
In exchange for your input to this survey, you will be entered into a prize draw to win a $500 user credit to be applied to a future project at MCN. The survey closes on the 28 July.
As a requirement for ANFF’s ongoing operational support through the Federal NCRIS program, ANFF nodes around the country are asked to report back to the commonwealth on IP-outcomes derived from research activity at our respective sites. These metrics are particularly difficult to track as they are not accompanied by standard acknowledgements etc. that are traditionally used to highlight work conducted within our network.
As a result, we need your help to accumulate these statistics by filling in this quick survey outlining the types and numbers of IP outcomes you have generated as a result of your activities within ANFF-VIC.
Please find the survey here.
New faces at MCN
The Melbourne Centre for Nanofabrication Centre has welcomed two new staff members to its ranks in the past few months, with Tatiana Pineda Rivera and Hazem Abdelmaksoud joining the team.
Tatiana has recently joined our lithography and characterisation team of process engineers. Having moved from Mexico to France to study, received her PhD in 2009 from the Université Grenoble Alpes, where she specialised in surface and colloid science and microfluidics. In 2011, Tatiana came to Australia to join Professor Paul Mulvaney’s Nanoscience Laboratory at the University of Melbourne.
Hazem has taken up a joint role, working with both the MCN and MCN Tech Ambassador, Victor Cadarso. At MCN, Hazem is responsible for wet etching benches in the cleanroom and leading biochemistry lab inductions for users.
