Previously, we have presented an in vitro diagnostic tool for methylation quantification and identification in synthetic DNA by combining Cas12a and methylation-sensitive restriction enzymes (MSREs). However, this technique poses one significant limitation in its current form: its relatively high limit of detection. With recent advances in point-of-care DNA extraction, ultra-fast enzymes, and the relatively fast CRISPR/Cas12a-based fluorescence detection (about 15 min - 1 hour depending on the input concentration), we believe we can overcome the detection limitations by integrating the CRISPR assay into a microfluidic chip. The development of this microfluidic device and a corresponding read-out method is the aim of this challenging PhD project.

This PhD project is part of the NXTGEN Hightech growth fund, and therefore you will work in close collaboration with Amsterdam UMC, Wageningen University and companies related to this project.

• You are an enthusiastic and highly motivated researcher, who is not afraid to work in an interdisciplinary team.
• You have, or will shortly, acquire a master degree in the field of Biomedical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Nanotechnology, Applied Physics or a related field.
• You have a creative mindset and excellent analytical and communication skills.
• You have a good team spirit.
• You are proficient in English.

• As a PhD student at UT, you will be appointed to a full-time position for four years, with a qualifier in the first year, within a very stimulating and exciting scientific environment;
• The University offers a dynamic ecosystem with enthusiastic colleagues;
• Your salary and associated conditions are in accordance with the collective labour agreement for Dutch universities (CAO-NU);
• You will receive a gross monthly salary ranging from € 2.541,- (first year) to € 3.247,- (fourth year);
• There are excellent benefits including a holiday allowance of 8% of the gross annual salary, an end-of-year bonus of 8.3%, and a solid pension scheme;
• A family-friendly institution that offers parental leave (both paid and unpaid);
• You will have a training programme as part of the Twente Graduate School where you and your supervisors will determine a plan for a suitable education and supervision;
• We encourage a high degree of responsibility and independence, while collaborating with close colleagues, researchers and other staff.

At BIOS, lab on a Chip group we aim to bridge physics, biology and chemistry with the power of Lab on a chip technology. As such we are an interdisciplinary group, part of the MESA+ Institute for Nanotechnology and Technical Medical Centre.