PhD positon on Microchip Multiple Screening of Tropical Fevers
In the framework of the Global Research Fellowships Initiative of the Delft University of Technology (TU Delft) a PhD position of 4 years is available at the Dept. of Chemical Engineering (in collaboration with the Dept. of Precision and Microsystems Eng.) on the development of the fundamentals of a lab-on-a-chip platform to screen tropical fevers such as Zika, Chikungunya and Dengue.
The final project goal is to develop a proof of concept microchip technology for the simultaneous detection of mentioned tropical fevers which present an increasing threat to global public health.
Project description
This is a multi-disciplinary project. Our approach is based on a very recent platform developed by us where very large arrays of biocompatible nanowires formed by ultralong stable block copolymer micelles will be used as a physical support for viruses antibody detection. Development of chemically modified nanowire will allow specific antibody detection. Detection methods of various natures will then be further investigated. A prototype of the chip will be tested in The Netherlands as well as in cooperation with colleagues of the Chemistry Dept. Univ. Western Cape, South Africa.
Eligibility criteria
TU Delft is an equal opportunity employer and all suitably qualified candidates irrespective of gender or nationality are welcome to apply as long as the following conditions have been fulfille
- Applicants should have completed a MSc degree or equivalent by the time of start.
- Applicants should have good knowledge of English, both written and oral in order to be able to submit reports and a doctoral thesis in English.
- Applicants should have a strong background on one of the following fields: pharmacy / biochemistry / chemistry or chemical engineering / physics or materials science whereas experience with microbiology and cell culture is a plus.
- Applicants should be willing to learn microfabrication, signal processing, viral antibody handling and device design integration.
- Applicants are expected to be open-minded and possess good lab skills.
- Applicants agree with an external stay of a few months (to be defined) in cooperation with colleagues of Cape Town University in South Africa.
How to apply
Applicants should submit a personal statement explaining their motivation, a CV and at least one academic reference. All applications should be sent by email to: Prof. Eduardo Mendes email: e.mendes@tudelft.nl with “PhD Tropical Fever” as subject of the message.
Deadline
Please, send your applications by 28th of Februaryv