Research within the Sensor Engineering research group of Maastricht University is focused on developing innovative sensor technologies for implementation in diverse fields ranging from medical diagnostics to food safety assessment. For this position we are looking for a motivated PhD student with a master degree and a solid background in bio-, organic, polymer or analytical chemistry. The candidate will work in a multicultural, interdisciplinary team consisting of engineers, chemists and biomedical scientists. The research group has developed extensive expertise in combining sensor technology with chemistry and biomedical engineering to acquire knowledge and streamline applications for use in real life settings. 

As a PhD student you will take care of your own research project in an independent manner, although supervision by experienced researchers is available within the group. You will read literature, develop a research plan, carry out experiments, process and interpret data and write scientific publications. If the pandemic allows it, you will participate in international conferences where you will present your work to the scientific community and represent the university, our research group and the project you are working on.

The PhD project is focused on the development of sensor platforms based on so-called surface imprinted polymers (SIPs). These thin polymeric layers are deposited onto sensor electrodes after which they are imprinted with macromolecular entities. In this way, the polymer forms a mold around the target (e.g. a bacterium) and upon removal of this biological or chemical entity, microcavities are created on the surface of the polymer film which are complementary to the imprinted targets in size, shape and the distribution of functional groups. These SIPs can then be implemented into a sensor as they will now selectively capture the target when they encounter it in for example a liquid sample. In the past, the SE department has successfully developed SIP-based sensors for bacteria, cancer cells and proteins and in this project the PhD student will investigate the possibility of imprinting various fungi and/or their spores. 
The ultimate goal is to use the sensor in the food industry during the cultivation of crops. Cucumber growers for example, have indicated that fungal contamination of their crops is a major problem and that a sensor that is able to detect these fungi or their spores in air, would be of great value. Initially we will focus on catching these spores in air and transferring them to a liquid medium but in the later stages of the project, we will also investigate the possibility of creating a flow cell for gas phase measurements.
 

Applications are invited for a 1.0 FT position. Potential candidates will work in a young, ambitious team consisting of researchers trained in various scientific disciplines. This stimulating, interdisciplinary and multicultural environment requires a candidate that has outstanding knowledge of scientific English both in speaking and in writing. The candidate should have an MSc degree in chemistry (biochemistry, electronic, electromechanical…), life sciences, biomedical engineering or equivalent and should be fully proficient in English. A valid driver’s license is a pre. 

Fixed-term contract: 1 (+3 years).

The position is offered for one year, which will be extended to a full four-year PhD position after a positive yearly evaluation. The salary will be set according to the salary scale of the Collective Labor Agreement of the Dutch Universities and will vary between €2434 and €3111. 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). Employees relocating from abroad may be eligible for the Dutch ‘30% ruling’, a tax advantage which results in a significantly higher net salary. Furthermore, local UM provisions also apply. For more information look at the website www.maastrichtuniversity.nl > About UM > Working at UM

Maastricht University

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 20,000 students and 4,700 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 Science and Engineering, Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences, Faculty of Psychology and Neuroscience.

http://www.maastrichtuniversity.nl/

Sensor Engineering Research Group

Research at the Sensor Engineering research group is very diverse given the interdisciplinary nature of biosensor research and combines chemistry with physics, biology and engineering. Within the group, we focus on the development of novel sensor technologies that could contribute to significant advancements in diverse fields in healthcare as well as the industry.