Postdoc - Advanced biosensing scaffold engineering and integration with microelectrochemical sensor

What you will do

Sensing technologies play a key role in areas such as bioprocess monitoring, medical diagnostics, and ingestible or implantable devices. Using semiconductor process technology, imec envisions to shrink all lab functionalities needed to perform this sensing into small lab-on-chip devices. Today, sensors that measure physical and chemical parameters such as temperature, pressure, conductivity, gases, etc., are very robust and widely available. However, no sensors can be operated continuously, in situ, to measure biochemical markers over an extended period.

One key challenge in biochemical measurements reside in the modification of the sensor surface with biological or synthetic receptors to create reagent-less wash-less biosensors that remain stable and reliable to be integrated into lab-on-chip devices.

To address this challenge, imec is looking for an enthusiastic postdoctoral candidate focusing on novel strategies to (i) identify stable natural or synthetic receptors for the detection of biomarkers (ii) tackle key mechanisms responsible for the receptor degradation or inactivation, (iii) actively control the exposure and/or affinity of the receptors without affecting their subsequent performance, and (iv) incorporate them in electrochemical sensor arrays, to enable continuous or semicontinuous operation and support the next generation of process analytical technologies, medical diagnostics and ingestible devices that are currently being developed by imec.

The work will be carried out using imec’s cutting edge biolabs and microfabrication facilities and benchmarked against commercial and in-house developed biosensors. Close collaboration with MEMS engineers is anticipated to integrate the biosensing functionalities with silicon devices.

Strategic motivation:

Support current strategic innovation opportunities in BioCAPS (Invest) and biomanufacturing portfolio.

What we do for you

We offer you the opportunity to join one of the world’s premier research centers in nanotechnology at its headquarters in Leuven, Belgium. With your talent, passion and expertise, you’ll become part of a team that makes the impossible possible. Together, we shape the technology that will determine the society of tomorrow.

We are committed to being an inclusive employer and proud of our open, multicultural, and informal working environment with ample possibilities to take initiative and show responsibility. We commit to supporting and guiding you in this process; not only with words but also with tangible actions. Through imec.academy, 'our corporate university', we actively invest in your development to further your technical and personal growth.

We are aware that your valuable contribution makes imec a top player in its field. Your energy and commitment are therefore appreciated by means of a competitive salary with many fringe benefits.

Who you are

We are looking for an enthusiastic person, who:

• has a Ph.D. in chemistry, biochemistry, biophysics, electrochemistry.
• is a self-driven person, able to work independently, while placing your work in the context of a larger team effort and organization’s strategic needs and priorities.
• is able to think out-of-the-box and can easily approach areas out of your comfort zone
• has good communication, presentations and writing skills; like working in an international and multicultural environment; is fluent in English.

Required background: Chemistry and surface chemistry, biochemistry, biophysics, electrochemistry.

Type of work: 70% experimental, 20% data analysis, 10%literature

CSR‐label: Goal 3 – Good health ensuring healthy lives and promoting well-being

Ambitions: Generic

Application domains: Life Sciences

Focus of work: Chemistry and surface chemistry, sensor development