PhD on Diagnosis of DNA-methylation using THz spectroscopy
PhD on Diagnosis of DNA-methylation using THz spectroscopy
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Job description
Background
Epigenetics covers the study of persistent modifications of gene expression leading to a change of physical properties without a change of genetic properties. Epigenetic changes of DNA are heritable and do not involve the DNA sequence, but are rather modifications of DNA that affect the function of a cell. An example under study is the addition and removal of methyl groups of DNA, so-called DNA methylation. Also other changes within the chromatin, such as modifications of histones, are of vivid interest. Epigenetic changes can be influenced by the environment and lifestyle and may lead to cancer, autoimmune disease, mental disorder and diabetes. Early diagnosis of epigenetic modifications is therefore of vital importance and is seen as a promising future pathway of personal health care. Although detection of e.g. DNA methylation is commercially available, devices are costly, and more importantly, every measurement is costly as it requires consumables. Spectroscopy at THz frequencies is particularly sensitive to vibrational degrees of freedom, such as CH3-groups. In addition, the absorption in this spectral range scales with the dipole moment, and is large for molecules such as DNA. As the technique works at ambient conditions and does not need consumables, a diagnostic THz sensor would therefore be a practical and cost-efficient solution to current standards.
Research
The project is bridging electrical engineering and molecular biology and has as goal to study the opportunities of THz spectroscopy in the field of epigenetics thereby aiming at a first breakthrough clinical sensor using THz technology. After familiarization of THz spectroscopy and DNA-related samples, the research of the candidate will focus on the detection of epigenetic phenomena as mentioned above using THz spectroscopy and existing benchmark methods. Hereto, the candidate will need to design an appropriate measurement setup, perform experiments autonomously and in collaboration with hospitals, institutes and other universities, and develop signal processing algorithms. The latter ones may include analyses based on chemical and physical interactions, complemented with contemporary AI principles. Eventually, the scientific results are to be translated into a diagnostic THz sensor system design e.g. for clinical usage. Collaborations within the Electrical Engineering department as well as with the Biomedical Technology department are foreseen.
Epigenetics covers the study of persistent modifications of gene expression leading to a change of physical properties without a change of genetic properties. Epigenetic changes of DNA are heritable and do not involve the DNA sequence, but are rather modifications of DNA that affect the function of a cell. An example under study is the addition and removal of methyl groups of DNA, so-called DNA methylation. Also other changes within the chromatin, such as modifications of histones, are of vivid interest. Epigenetic changes can be influenced by the environment and lifestyle and may lead to cancer, autoimmune disease, mental disorder and diabetes. Early diagnosis of epigenetic modifications is therefore of vital importance and is seen as a promising future pathway of personal health care. Although detection of e.g. DNA methylation is commercially available, devices are costly, and more importantly, every measurement is costly as it requires consumables. Spectroscopy at THz frequencies is particularly sensitive to vibrational degrees of freedom, such as CH3-groups. In addition, the absorption in this spectral range scales with the dipole moment, and is large for molecules such as DNA. As the technique works at ambient conditions and does not need consumables, a diagnostic THz sensor would therefore be a practical and cost-efficient solution to current standards.
Research
The project is bridging electrical engineering and molecular biology and has as goal to study the opportunities of THz spectroscopy in the field of epigenetics thereby aiming at a first breakthrough clinical sensor using THz technology. After familiarization of THz spectroscopy and DNA-related samples, the research of the candidate will focus on the detection of epigenetic phenomena as mentioned above using THz spectroscopy and existing benchmark methods. Hereto, the candidate will need to design an appropriate measurement setup, perform experiments autonomously and in collaboration with hospitals, institutes and other universities, and develop signal processing algorithms. The latter ones may include analyses based on chemical and physical interactions, complemented with contemporary AI principles. Eventually, the scientific results are to be translated into a diagnostic THz sensor system design e.g. for clinical usage. Collaborations within the Electrical Engineering department as well as with the Biomedical Technology department are foreseen.
Specifications
- max. 38 hours per week
- Eindhoven View on Google Maps
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Eindhoven University of Technology (TU/e)
Requirements
We welcome applications from candidates with a MSc degree or equivalent in Physics, Biophysics, Medical physics, Electrical Engineering or related field. Experience with biomedical studies, (Python) programming and optics is advantageous.
Conditions of employment
- A meaningful job in a dynamic and ambitious university with the possibility to present your work at international conferences.
- A full-time employment for four years, with an intermediate evaluation after one year.
- To support you during your PhD and to prepare you for the rest of your career, you will have free access to a personal development program for PhD students (PROOF program).
- A gross monthly salary and benefits in accordance with the Collective Labor Agreement for Dutch Universities.
- Additionally, an annual holiday allowance of 8% of the yearly salary, plus a year-end allowance of 8.3% of the annual salary.
- A broad package of fringe benefits, including an excellent technical infrastructure, moving expenses, and savings schemes.
- Family-friendly initiatives are in place, such as an international spouse program, and excellent on-campus children day care and sports facilities.
