Nanofabrication for Advanced Nanopores

Nanopores, which are nanoscale holes capable of detecting and analyzing single molecules via ionic current measurements, have become a cornerstone of long-read DNA sequencing and show high potential for applications such as biosensing and molecular diagnostics. However, the performance of nanopore devices can be significantly enhanced by integrating them with a nanofluidic component—a precisely engineered system of a nanochannel and structures designed to control the flow and presentation of molecules to the nanopore.

This research project focuses on the development and optimization of nanofabrication techniques to create these nanofluidic components. The issue lies in achieving the precision, scale, wettability and functionality for manipulating biomolecules at the nanoscale. The candidate will implement fabrication methodologies, such as various lithography techniques, and advanced etching techniques, to construct a nanofluidic component that can seamlessly interface with advanced nanopores while maintaining the desired properties of all nano-scale components. 
In addition to fabrication, the project will involve characterizing the nanofluidic structures and their interaction with nanopores, and iterating on the design to optimize functionality. By addressing key issues in nanofabrication and integrating these solutions with nanopore technology, this research has the potential to significantly advance the field of nanotechnology, paving the way for new innovations in molecular  diagnostics.

The successful completion of this research project will contribute to the development of next-generation nanopore technologies that could revolutionize fields such as genomics, proteomics, and personalized medicine. Imec is soliciting enthusiastic candidates to advance single-molecule electrical sensing technology, approaching the problem both from the fabrication and experimental side.

Required background:  Nanotechnology, Materials engineer, Electrical engineering, Electrical engineering technology, Physics, or related. Hands-on fabrication experience is not required but would be a plus. 

Type of work: fabrication (50%) and characterization work (50%)

Type of Project:  Internship

Master's degree:  Master of Engineering Science; Master of Science; Master of Bioengineering; Master of Engineering Technology

Master program:  Electrotechnics/Electrical Engineering; Materials Engineering; Bioscience Engineering; Nanoscience & Nanotechnology; Physics

Duration: minimum 6 months

Supervisor:  Pol Van Dorpe (Physics, Nano)

For more information or application, please contact the supervising scientists  Koen Martens (Koen.Martens@imec.be), Ben Jones (Ben.Jones@imec.be) and Sybren Santermans (Sybren.Santermans@imec.be). 

Imec allowance will be provided for students studying at a non-Belgian university.