About Ghent University

Ghent University is a world of its own. Employing more than 8,000 people, it is actively involved in education and research, management and administration, as well as technical and social service provision on a daily basis. It is one of the largest, most exciting employers in the area and offers great career opportunities. With its 11 faculties and more than 80 departments offering state-of-the-art study programmes grounded in research in a wide range of academic fields, Ghent University is a logical choice for its staff and students.

What you will do 

Project background

Multiplexed biosensing technologies can bring an important impact to the medical practice reflecting more accurately the health status and favouring a quicker, more accurate, and early detection of a disease by maximizing the amount of information that can be obtained.

The project aims to develop a new biosensing technology based on micro/nano-systems for performing reliable and efficient monitoring of multiple key biological biomarkers of the immune system linked with health conditions such as cancer.

The PhD position will be funded by the Special Research Fund (BOF) of Ghent University. The position is located within the Centre for Microsystems Technology (CMST) at the Department of Electronics and Information Systems (ELIS) of the Faculty of Engineering and Architecture. CMST is an imec associated research lab at the Ghent university focusing on smart microsystems integration and design.

Your PhD Topic – Development of a multiplexed nano-bio-sensing system for in-parallel monitoring of multiple health biomarkers.

The doctoral student will be in charge of the fabrication process of nanodevices in the state-of-the art cleanroom at Ghent University, surface bio-functionalization of the devices with receptor molecules (antibodies, DNA aptamers) and electrical characterization of the devices prior and after the surface treatment. He/she will be in charge of the integration of the biosensing elements with supporting readout electronics and responsible for the implementation and validation of the complete system for biosensing applications. Specifically, he/she will conduct biosensing experiments for the detection and the monitoring of the concentration in interstitial fluid and/or blood of multiple biomarkers (cancer markers, inflammatory markers). One of the main aims of the research will be to optimize the bio-sensors considering the aspects of high selectivity, high sensitivity, low false positive and false negative rates as well as to investigate the interrelation of the biomarkers under study in cases of cancer.

A summary of topics characterizing this PhD:

• Fabrication and testing of nanodevices
• Surface bio-functionalization of nanodevices
• Biosensing experiments: Measuring the concentration of biomarkers in interstitial fluid/blood
• Electrical (I-V measurements) and morphological (SEM, AFM) characterization of micro/nano-fabricated devices and biosensing devices
• Design and develop the electronic readout circuitry for the sensors
• Multidisciplinary research
• Micro- and nanotechnology in a cleanroom environment
• Realization of a complete multiplexed biosensing system

The doctoral project will combine micro/nanofabrication with biosensor research, basic biochemistry, electronics and microscopy to generate truly interdisciplinary doctoral research scientist. The result from the doctoral project will be a model multi-panel diagnostic platform paving the way for an in-parallel analysis of a large sample throughput.

Who you are 

We are looking for a highly motivated person interested in our area of research, ready to explore new avenues in science and develop his/her skills and knowledge further.
The ideal candidate shall be interested in practical work, especially linked with biomedical and cleanroom micro/nano fabrication technologies, shall like to work in interdisciplinary research projects and can discuss and communicate his/her work with people of different backgrounds.
The candidate will take responsibility for the managing and execution of his/her PhD research in a well-structured, thorough way.
A collaborative approach to research is a must. The candidate is expected to work productively in a team, and contribute to a good social environment in the laboratory.
MSc in Microsystems Engineering or Electrical Engineering (previous experience in biosensing will be considered a plus) or MSc in Biomedical Engineering.
Fluency in English (writing and communication skills) is a requirement.
The rankings of the university(-ies) where the BSc and MSc diplomas are obtained will be taken into consideration during the selection process.

How to apply

Send your CV, motivation letter, diploma, overview of your study results and English language certificate by e-mail to:

Prof. dr. Ioulia Tzouvadaki (Ioulia.Tzouvadaki@UGent.be)
Centre for Microsystems Technology (CMST),
Technologiepark Zwijnaarde 126, 9052 Gent, Belgium

The duration of the project is 4 years, expected to start on April 2023.
Please note that the vacancy can be closed before the application deadline if a suitable candidate is found.