1. Master's degree in (bio)physics, medical engineering, bioengineering, chemistry, materials science, or a related field.
2. Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
3. Excellent written and oral communication in English.
4. Ability to work independently and as part of a collaborative team.
5. Experience in electrochemistry, (bio)sensor fabrication, or microfabrication is a plus.
We are seeking highly motivated PhD students to join our research team in the development of advanced implantable electrochemical biosensors for neuroprosthetic applications. The candidate PhDs will work on the design, fabrication and characterization of biosensors for fast monitoring of neurotransmitters and inflammatory markers, respectively. Such a position offers an exciting opportunity to do research in a multidisciplinary team, including neuroscientists and medical professionals, on technologies with real world impact, aimed at enabling biosensing inside the human body, through innovative sensor designs.Two new projects are targetting monitoring of inflammatory markers with intracochlear sensor arrays and neurotransmitter release in the brain, respectively. We are seeking PhD candidates to perform research on these topics. Key responsibilities:
6. Develop and optimize electrochemical biosensors towards high sensitivity and selectivity.
7. Conduct in vitro testing for sensor validation.
8. Analyze electrochemical data and improve sensor performance.
9. Collaborate with interdisciplinary teams, including biologists and medical professionals.
10. Analyze data, prepare reports and publish research findings in peer-reviewed journals.
11. Present research at conferences and seminars.
In the Nanobiophysics team of the Soft Matter and Biophysics Unit, we combine soft matter physics with biosensor micro- and nanotechnologies to construct sensing devices with high sensitivity, selectivity and antifouling properties to enable chemical sensing in vivo.We develop sensing schemes allowing for long-term, continuous, multiparameter monitoring in vivo to acquire knowledge on the brain function and/or electrode-induced trauma and inflammatory responses. In these projects we work together with neuroscientists and healthcare professionals from the Faculty of Medicine, Psychology and UZ Leuven.
12. A full-time PhD bursary contract for a period of 4 years with a midterm evaluation during the second year.
13. Competitive stipend and tuition waiver.
14. Access to state-of-the-art research facilities and resources.
15. Opportunities for professional development and networking.
16. Earning a PhD degree upon successful completion of the research.
Application procedure: Interested candidates should submit a CV, academic transcripts (bachelor and master) and contact information for 2 references to carmen.bartic@kuleuven.be.