PhD on Continuous Real-Time Biomolecular Sensing with Single-Molecule Resolution

Continuous sensors are available in society and are used by patients to monitor their glucose levels. However, continuous sensing is not yet available for monitoring low-concentration molecules such as proteins, drugs, and nucleic acids. That's what we want to achieve!

The sensing technologies that are being developed in the Molecular Biosensing group (MBx, see www.tue.nl/mbx) are unique in the world. The sensors are based on reversible single-molecule interactions, for the continuous monitoring of biomolecules at low concentrations. The sensing platform is called Biosensing by Particle Motion (BPM), using particles on a sensing surface that change their motion due to the binding of analyte molecules.

In your PhD project, you will study biomolecular aspects of BPM sensors, such as affinity binders and conjugation strategies, in order to determine how these affect the sensor performance. The PhD project is part of the iControl collaboration that includes TU Eindhoven, Erasmus Medical Center, Leiden Academic Center for Drug Research, and several companies (https://www.nwo.nl/en/projects/20854). Publications about the BPM sensing technology are listed on https://www.heliabiomonitoring.com/publications.

The MBx group has trans-disciplinary research approaches, including molecular bioengineering, advanced data analysis, and optical microscopies. The MBx group initiated and organizes the international competition on Sensors for Health (www.sensus.org) and the international symposium on Continuous Real-time Biomolecular Sensing (https://symposium.sensus.org/first-international-symposium-on-continuous-real-time-biomolecular-sensing/). Laboratories are shared with the Protein Engineering research group (www.tue.nl/proteinengineering) and the Institute for Complex Molecular Systems (www.tue.nl/icms).

A meaningful job in a dynamic and ambitious university, in an interdisciplinary setting and within an international network. You will work on a beautiful, green campus within walking distance of the central train station. In addition, we offer you:

• Full-time employment for four years, with an intermediate evaluation (go/no-go) after nine months. You will spend 10% of your employment on teaching tasks.
• Salary and benefits (such as a pension scheme, paid pregnancy and maternity leave, partially paid parental leave) in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities, scale P (min. €2,901 max. €3,707).
• A year-end bonus of 8.3% and annual vacation pay of 8%.
• High-quality training programs and other support to grow into a self-aware, autonomous scientific researcher. At TU/e we challenge you to take charge of your own learning process.
• An excellent technical infrastructure, on-campus children's day care and sports facilities.
• An allowance for commuting, working from home and internet costs.
• A Staff Immigration Team and a tax compensation scheme (the 30% facility) for international candidates.