Research within the smart devices research group of the Maastricht Science Programme is focused on developing innovative sensor technologies for implementation in diverse fields ranging from the healthcare sector to the food industry. Within the smart devices research unit, we are looking for two PhD candidates who will work on an interdisciplinary biosensor project, combining chemistry, electrical engineering, materials science and biology. The research strategy of the smart devices research group aims at combining smart sensing technology with chemical and biomedical engineering to acquire knowledge and streamline applications for use in real life applications.

The smart devices research group has recently developed a robust, versatile biosensor readout platform based on analyzing the propagation of a thermal wave through a functionalized chip. The performed research has demonstrated that binding of bacteria to a synthetic receptor layer will increase the thermal resistance of the interface layer, leading to an observed phase shift and amplitude decrease in the transmitted thermal wave. Although, these results are very promising in terms of infection diagnosis, both the sensor technology and the synthetic receptor synthesis need to be optimized to turn the technology into a commercially viable application.

The research project will be a part of the Kennis-as Limburg project Limburg Meet (LIME) which aims at developing novel sensor technologies for personalized medicine. The PhD students will focus on optimizing the receptor layer synthesis to increase the sensitivity and the selectivity of the current platform. In addition, the research aims at developing a synthesis process that allows for mass production of sensor chips.

Applications are invited for two full-time PhD positions. Candidates will work in an interdisciplinary setting combining chemistry with electronics and biomedical engineering. The candidate should have a Master’s degree in chemistry, biology, biomedical engineering, chemical engineering, life sciences, or equivalent. Outstanding knowledge of scientific English both in speaking and in reading is required.

Fixed-term contract: 1 + 3 years.

The full-time positions are offered for four years (first year + three years after receiving a positive evaluation), with a yearly evaluation. The salary will be set in PhD salary scale of the Collective Labor Agreement of the Dutch Universities (€2.222 gross per month in first year to €2.840 last year). On top of this, there is an 8% holiday and an 8.3% year-end allowance. The terms of employment of Maastricht University are set out in the Collective Labor Agreement of Dutch Universities (CAO). Furthermore, local UM provisions also apply. For more information look at the website www.maastrichtuniversity.nl.

Maastricht University is renowned for its unique, innovative, problem-based learning system, which is characterized by a small-scale and student-oriented approach. Research at UM is characterized by a multidisciplinary and thematic approach, and is concentrated in research institutes and schools. Maastricht University has around 16,500 students and 4,000 employees. Reflecting the university's strong international profile, a fair amount of both students and staff are from abroad. The university hosts 6 faculties: Faculty of Health, Medicine and Life Sciences, Faculty of Law, School of Business and Economics, Faculty of Humanities and Sciences, Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences, Faculty of Psychology and Neuroscience.

Research at the smart devices research group is very divers given the interdisciplinary nature of the Maastricht Science Programme and varies from chemistry to physic, biology and engineering. Within the smart devices research group we focus on the development of novel technologies that could contribute to significant advancements in diverse fields in healthcare as well as the industry.