PhD student Photonic detection in biological systems using fluorescent diamond nanoparticles, University of Hasselt

The Faculty of Sciences, research institute Institute for Materials Research, research group Materials Physics of Hasselt University seeks a (m/f)
PhD student Photonic detection in biological systems using fluorescent diamond nanoparticles
Task description
The research is carried out within the Materials Physics group of the Institute for Materials Research (imo-imomec) in the framework of the FWO-project 'Optically detected diamond spin magnetometers: a new route for molecular resolution neural network-level imaging' (promotor: prof. Milos Nesladek). The research project is performed in collaboration with the University of Antwerp and the Biomedical Research Institute (BIOMED) of Hasselt University. It is an interdisciplinary project and situated in the field of nanomaterials, fotonics, chemical functionalisation and biological aspects. The candidate will focus on the development of nanoscopic photonic sensing techniques and the use of luminescent diamond nanoparticles for contactless readout of synaptic processes in neural cells The candidate will use state-of-the-art photonic techniques and surface functionisation techniques developed at imo-imomec. The developed detection techniques will be applied to in-vitro neural cells. Biological aspects will be investigated in collaboration with researchers from the University of Antwerp and BIOMED. The candidate will work in a stimulating and multidisciplinary environment.  
Profile

• You have research interest.
• You have a good knowledge of English.
• You have good relational, communicative and reporting skills.

Diploma
master degree in physics, chemistry, biomedical sciences, engineering, bioelectronics, nanotechnology, materials science. Experience in the research field will be considered as a plus. (or equivalent).
Final-year students are (likewise) encouraged to apply.
Employment
Scholarship for a period of 2 x 2 years (with evaluation after 2 years).
PhD scholarship for a period of 2 x 2 years (with evaluation after 2 years).
Further information
Content job responsibilities:
   Prof. dr. Milos NESLADEK,+32-11-268833, milos.nesladek@uhasselt.be
   dr. Anitha ETHIRAJAN,+32-11-268877, anitha.ethirajan@uhasselt.be
   Prof. dr. Marc D'OLIESLAEGER,+32-11-268815, marc.dolieslaeger@uhasselt.be
Content terms of employment and selection procedure:
   jobs@uhasselt.be, +32-11-268080
Application
Applicants must use the official application forms which can be downloaded here http://www.uhasselt.be/download/APengelsUH.doc.
Application by e-mail will only be taken into consideration when sent to the following address: jobs@uhasselt.be.
Please add a copy of your diploma, a list of courses and your results per course. Without these we cannot evaluate your application.
The completed application forms must reach the above mentioned address no later than 16 July 2012.
Selection procedure
Preselection on the basis of CV. Interview with the selected candidates.