PhD position: Biosensor for continuous monitoring of water pollutants

Position: PhD-student

Irène Curie Fellowship: No

Department(s): Applied Physics and Science Education

Institutes and others: Institute for Complex Molecular Systems

FTE: 1,0

Date off: 01/06/2023

Reference number: V34.6579

Job description

• We are developing a sensing technology with single-molecule resolution called Biosensing by Particle Motion (BPM). The technology is based on particles attached to a sensing surface that change their mobility due to the binding and release of analyte molecules.
• Recent publications of our research are: ‘Continuous biomarker monitoring by measuring free particle motion’, Nature Communications (2022); ‘Dynamic response limits of affinity based sensing’, ACS Sensors (2022); ‘Reversible immunosensor for cortisol in blood plasma sampled with microdialysis’, ACS Sensors (2022).
• Scientific questions relate to biomolecular architectures, signal processing and calibration methods, microfluidics, measurements in complex matrices.
• Applications include real-time measurements for patient care, life science research, industrial process control and environmental monitoring.
• The project gives opportunities to collaborate with academic and industrial partners, including spin-off company Helia Biomonitoring (www.heliabiomonitoring.com).
• You will become a member of the Molecular Biosensing group (MBx, www.tue.nl/mbx). Laboratories are shared with the Institute for Complex Molecular Systems (www.tue.nl/icms).
• In this project we will expand the BPM technology for the detection of the pharmaceuticals diclofenac and 17β-Estradiol. Both compounds are found throughout Europe at critical concentrations that will threaten the environment in the coming years if they increase further.  

Job requirements

• A Master’s degree (or an equivalent university degree) in engineering or in analytical sciences, e.g., chemical engineering, biophysical sciences, biomedical engineering, analytical chemistry.
• A research-oriented attitude.
• Ability to work in an interdisciplinary team.
• Motivated to develop your teaching skills and coach students.
• Fluent in spoken and written English (C1 level).

Conditions of employment

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 27 (min. €2,541 max. €3,247).
• 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.

Information and application

About us

Eindhoven University of Technology is an internationally top-ranking university in the Netherlands that combines scientific curiosity with a hands-on attitude. Our spirit of collaboration translates into an open culture and a top-five position in collaborating with advanced industries. Fundamental knowledge enables us to design solutions for the highly complex problems of today and tomorrow. 

Curious to hear more about what it’s like as a PhD candidate at TU/e? Please view the video.

More information can be obtained from Dr. A.M. de Jong, Molecular Biosensing group, Dept. of Applied Physics, Eindhoven University of Technology. Phone +31 40 274 4051,  a.m.de.jong[at]tue.nl.

Visit our website for more information about the application process or the conditions of employment. You can also contact HR Services, HRServices.Flux[at]tue.nl.

Are you inspired and would like to know more about working at TU/e? Please visit our career page.

Application

We invite you to submit a complete application by using the apply button.
Your application must contain the following documents (in PDF format):

• Letter of motivation.
• Curriculum vitae.
• Transcripts of BSc and MSc degrees (with courses and grades).
• Copy of BSc and MSc theses.
• Contact information of two references.

We are looking forward to your application.