Background

Researchers at Eindhoven University of Technology are developing a new technology for continuous biomolecular sensing, called Biosensing by Particle Mobility (BPM). The technology is based on particles attached to a sensing surface that change their mobility by the binding of analyte molecules.

The Molecular Biosensing group (MBx, see www.tue.nl/mbx) at Eindhoven University of Technology (TU/e) studies molecular biosensing technologies with single-molecule resolution. The research leads to novel methods for molecular biosensing, insights into protein function within complex fluids, and novel routes into rapid testing and monitoring applications. The MBx group initiated and organizes the international competition on Sensors for Health (www.sensus.org). Laboratories are shared with the Chemical Biology research group (www.tue.nl/cb) and the Institute for Complex Molecular Systems (www.tue.nl/icms).
Publications

Recent publications of our research work are:

• 'Continuous biomarker monitoring by particle mobility sensing with single molecule resolution', Nature Communications (2018) https://www.nature.com/articles/s41467-018-04802-8
• 'Multiplexed continuous biosensing by single-molecule encoded nanoswitches', Nano Letters (2020) https://pubs.acs.org/doi/abs/10.1021/acs.nanolett.9b04561  
• 'Continuous small-molecule monitoring with a digital single particle switch', ACS Sensors (2020) https://pubs.acs.org/doi/10.1021/acssensors.0c00220

• We are looking for talented PhD candidates who are interested to develop the new biosensor technology for applications in biological processes and healthcare. The PhD project will focus on topics such as microfluidic sample handling, continuous sample preparation, calibration, precision, robustness, complex biological samples, closed-loop process control, etc.
• Candidates should have a background in engineering and/or analytical sciences, e.g. chemical process engineering, bioprocess technology, analytical chemistry, biotechnology, or physical engineering sciences.
• The project will be performed in collaboration with Helia Biomonitoring and is part of the Safe-N-Medtech European project (https://cordis.europa.eu/project/id/814607).

We offer:

• A challenging job at a dynamic and ambitious University and in an enthusiastic team.
• An appointment (1 fte) as a PhD-student for four years, starting date: flexible, but preferably as soon as possible.
• Gross monthly salaries are in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement of the Dutch Universities (CAO NU), increasing from € 2.325 per month initially, to € 2.972 in the fourth year.
• An attractive package of fringe benefits, including excellent work facilities, end of the year allowance and sports facilities.