The Bioelectronics group at the University of Twente, in collaboration with Qurin Diagnostics, seeks a postdoctoral fellow to conduct research on nanobiosensors.

Project description

Nanoscale sensors create enormous opportunities to push the limits of detection for trace analytes. While miniaturized detectors allow detecting small quantities of a target down to single molecules, this does not automatically translate into high concentration sensitivity because of limitations imposed by mass transport and binding kinetics. Our strategy is to employ massively parallelized single-entity transducers so as to combine high molecular-scale sensitivity with efficient transport and kinetic performance.

In this project, we will perform a quantitative theoretical assessment of the predicted performance of several sensing strategies based on parallelizing single-entity detection methods. The resulting understanding will be tested against prototypical sensors currently under development at Qurin Diagnostics for detection of cancer in urine based on specific biomarker panels. We will then proceed to implement a prototypical sensor based on high-frequency, CMOS-based nanocapacitor arrays. This unique technology consists of large arrays of individually addressable nanoelectrodes that locally probe the electrochemical impedance of a solution at high frequencies . This allows detecting and characterizing analytes down to the size of small viruses. The postdoc will be involved in all aspects of the project, from detector cell design and surface functionalization to single-entity measurements and analysis.

Embedding

You will work in the Bioelectronics group at the University of Twente in the Netherlands (https://www.utwente.nl/en/tnw/be/). We are an internationally oriented group conducting both fundamental research and exploring new applications at the interface between physics, electrochemistry and nanoscience. Ongoing research lines include high-frequency detection in liquid at high-frequency nanoelectrode arrays (this project), conducting polymers as ‘electrical labels’ in biosensors, electrochemical nanofluidics and single-molecule strategies for trace-level liquid biopsies. The project entails close collaboration with industrial partners Qurin Diagnostics and NXP Semiconductors.

You have a background in physics, electrical engineering, physical chemistry or a closely related discipline. You have strong communication skills, including fluency in written and spoken English. You are enthusiastic, highly motivated and can function in a broader team. Aptitudes in both experiments and theoretical modeling are desirable.

INFORMATION AND APPLICATION

For more information about the position, potential applicants are encouraged to contact Prof. Serge G. Lemay (s.g.lemay@utwente.nl).

Candidates are invited to upload their application, including an application letter, CV, and names/contact information of 3 or more references, at http://www.utwente.nl/vacatures/en. We will start to evaluate candidates on February 15, 2019, and the position will remain open until it has been filled.

The university offers a dynamic ecosystem with enthusiastic colleagues in which internationalization is an important part of the strategic agenda.

• We provide excellent mentorship and a stimulating, modern research environment with world-class research facilities.
• You will have an employment contract for the duration of 2 years, with extension possible under mutual agreement, and you are eligible for all employee benefits the UT offers.
• The post-doc salary is between € 3.123 and € 4.274 gross per month (scale 10 Collective Labour Agreement Dutch Universities) depending on experience and qualifications.
• You will receive holiday allowance of 8% of the gross annual salary and a year-end bonus of 8.3%
• Additionally, the UT is a green campus with excellent facilities and resources for professional and personal development.
• We strive for diversity and fairness in hiring.

The University of Twente. We stand for life sciences and technology. High tech and human touch. Education and research that matter. New technology which leads change, innovation and progress in society. The University of Twente is the only campus university of the Netherlands; divided over five faculties we provide more than fifty educational programmes. We have a strong focus on personal development and talented researchers are given scope for carrying out groundbreaking research.

We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status or disability status. Because of our diversity values we do particularly support women to apply.

Within the TNW Faculty (Faculty of Science & Technology) of the University of Twente some 700 staff members and 2000 students are involved in training and research on the interface of chemical technology, applied physics and biomedical technology. Fields of application include sustainable energy, process technology and materials science, nanotechnology and technical medicine. Research, which enjoys a high profile both at home and internationally, has been accommodated in the multidisciplinary research institutes: Mesa+ Institute, TechMed Centra and Digital Society Institute. The faculty works together intensively with industrial partners and researchers in the Netherlands and abroad and conducts extensive research for external commissioning parties and funders.