PhD position in Science in the field of photo-electrochemical nucleic acid based sensors

Department: Department of Bioscience Engineering
Regime Full-time

Let’s shape the future – University of Antwerp

The University of Antwerp  is a dynamic, forward-thinking, European university. We offer an innovative academic education to more than 20 000 students, conduct pioneering scientific research and play an important service-providing role in society. We are one of the largest, most international and most innovative employers in the region. With more than 6000 employees from 100 different countries, we are helping to build tomorrow's world every day. Through top scientific research, we push back boundaries and set a course for the future – a future that you can help to shape. 

A-Sense Lab at the University of Antwerp has an open position for a PhD to strengthen our developments in the field of photo-electrochemical nucleic acid based sensors.

The overall goal of this PhD is the development of novel photo-electrochemical biosensors that will pave the way to the construction of affordable, robust, user-friendly and portable platforms for healthcare applications. Due to the integration of recognition bioelements (e.g. DNA/RNA, antibodies or aptamers), electrochemical biosensors are ideally suited for the selective determination of a wide variety of clinically relevant targets such as biomarkers, pathogens, etc. The detection of the analyte of interest will be achieved by taking advantage of the cost-effectiveness and sensitive detection provided by photo-electrochemical strategies. This PhD will contribute to the efforts of getting insight into a yet unexplored biosensing strategy.

Website: https://www.uantwerpen.be/en/research-groups/a-sense-lab/

The Department of Bioscience Engineering in the Faculty of Science has the following full-time vacancy: PhD position in Science in the field of photo-electrochemical nucleic acid based sensors

Job description

• You prepare a doctoral thesis in the field of photo-electrochemical nucleic acid based sensors.
• You publish scientific articles related to the research project of the assignment.
• You present your work at national and international workshops and conferences.

Profile and requirements

• You hold a master degree in biotechnology, biochemistry, biology, chemistry, bioscience or applied engineering.
• You can submit outstanding academic results.
• Your academic qualities comply with the requirements stipulated in the university’s policy .
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills.
• A creative and analytical mind.
• In view of the international context, mastering of the English language (both oral and written) is mandatory.

We offer

• A doctoral scholarship for a period of one year, with the possibility of renewal after positive evaluation;
• The start date of the scholarship can be discussed, ideally October 2022;
• Your monthly scholarship amount is calculated according to the scholarship amounts  for doctoral scholarship holders on the pay scales for Contract Research Staff (Dutch: Bijzonder Academisch Personeel, BAP).
• You will receive ecocheques, Internet-connectivity allowance and a bicycle allowance or a full reimbursement of public transport costs for commuting.
• A dynamic and international working environment.

Want to apply?

• You can apply for this vacancy through the University of Antwerp’s online job application platform up to and including 14 September 2022 (by midnight Brussels time). Click on the 'Apply' button, complete the online application form and be sure to include the following attachments: 1) a detailed CV (including honours, grades, skills, publications, …), 2) contact info of two references together with 3) a strong motivation letter and 4) a weblink to a short video introducing yourself
• The selection committee will review all of the applications as soon as possible after the application deadline. As soon as a decision has been made, we will inform you about the next steps in the selection procedure.
• If you have any questions about the online application form, please check the frequently asked questions  or send an email to [email protected] . If you have any questions about the job itself, please contact [email protected] .

The University of Antwerp received the European Commission’s HR Excellence in Research Award  for its HR policy. We are a sustainable, family-friendly organisation which invests in its employees’ growth. We encourage diversity  and attach great importance to an inclusive working environment and equal opportunities, regardless of gender identity, disability, race, ethnicity, religion or belief, sexual orientation or age. We encourage people from diverse backgrounds and with diverse characteristics to apply.