PhD Position - Multi-target Electrochemical Aptamer-based Biosensor for Detection of Respiratory Diseases

Your Job:

We aim to develop an electrochemical biosensor for the detection of target proteins from respiratory diseases such as COVID-19 and Influenza. The biosensor should be fabricated and optimized on flexible multielectrode arrays (flexMEA) utilizing aptamers as detection molecules. This project aims to advance our bio-sensing technology as a Point-of-care (PoC) device.

Your tasks will include:

• Implement some newly obtained aptamers for the fabrication of a multi-target flexMEA aptasensor
  
• Develop protocols for automated bio-functionalization of the biosensor using a pipetting robot
  
• Characterizing the performance of the aptasensor with an in-house built portable electronic measuring device
  
• Advancement of flexMEA chip design and analyzing its performance.
  
• Analytical validation of the multi-target aptasensor with samples spiked with the target proteins and with clinical samples
  
• Self-reliant data acquisition, analysis, documentation, communication with collaborators, report and publication writing
  

Further information on the project is available at: https://www.fz-juelich.de/en/ibi/ibi-3/research/aptamer-sensors

Your Profile:

• Master´s degree in biomedical/biochemical engineering, biotechnology, chemistry or similar
  
• Experience in electrochemistry
  
• Willingness to familiarize yourself with new methods
  
• Highly motivated to work in the laboratory
  
• Out of the box thinking
  
• Ability to communicate with scientists and technicians from various disciplines
  
• Well-structured and systematic research approach
  
• Statistical and analytical working style
  
• High degree of independent
  
• Passion for science
  

Additional qualifications

• Programming skills (C++, MatLab, COMSOL, Python, etc.)
  
• Speaking German is beneficial
  
• Interest in electronics
  
• Familiarized working with an electronic lab book
  
• Entrepreneur mindset is a plus

Our Offer:

We work on the very latest issues that impact our society and are offering you the chance to actively help in shaping the change! We offer ideal conditions for you to complete your Doctoral degree in a motivated and entrepreneurial team:

• Multifaceted work in an interdisciplinary and international team
  
• Outstanding scientific and technical infrastructure, as well as scientific mentoring
  
• The chance to independently plan, prepare, and work on your tasks
  
• Ideal conditions for gaining practical experience
  
• Forschungszentrum Jülich located close to the interface between Belgium, the Netherlands, and Germany and with strong links to the ABCD Region (Aachen, Bonn, Cologne, Düsseldorf) which is one of the leading high-tech regions in Europe
  
• Participation in national and international conferences and workshops
  
• Further development of your personal strengths, e.g. through an extensive range of training courses; a structured program of continuing education and networking opportunities specifically for doctoral researchers via JuDocS, the Jülich Center for Doctoral Researchers and Supervisors: https://www.fz-juelich.de/en/judocs
  
• Targeted services for international employees, e.g. through our International Advisory Service
  

The position is for a fixed term of 3 years. Pay in line with 65% of pay group 13 of the Collective Agreement for the Public Service (TVöD-Bund) and additionally 60 % of a monthly salary as special payment („Christmas bonus“). Further information on doctoral degrees at Forschungszentrum Jülich including our other locations is available at: https://www.fz-juelich.de/gp/Careers_Docs

We welcome applications from people with diverse backgrounds, e.g. in terms of age, gender, disability, sexual orientation / identity, and social, ethnic and religious origin. A diverse and inclusive working environment with equal opportunities in which everyone can realize their potential is important to us.