PhD Position Nanomechanical Sensing of Single-bacteria

1 Mar 2024
Job Information

Organisation/Company

Delft University of Technology (TU Delft)

Research Field

Technology

Researcher Profile

First Stage Researcher (R1)

Country

Netherlands

Application Deadline

14 Apr 2024 - 21:59 (UTC)

Type of Contract

Temporary

Job Status

Not Applicable

Hours Per Week

40.0

Is the job funded through the EU Research Framework Programme?

Not funded by an EU programme

Is the Job related to staff position within a Research Infrastructure?

No

Offer Description

Although noise has a negative connotation, such that in general it is eliminated or avoided, there are applications, specifically in biology where noisy dynamics can be useful. This is particularly true in the emerging field of nanomotion detection where microsystems have shown to reveal nanoscale oscillations of micro-organisms. Using graphene drums these tiny vibrations can now be resolved at the single-cell level. Recently, at TU Delft we demonstrated that graphene-based nanomotion technology can be used for fast detection of antibiotic resistance and can serve as a new nanotool for screening the effectiveness of antibiotics. We now plan to delve further into the nature of this nanomotion, optimize nanomotion sensors for robust detection of biological signals, and even engineer our devices for amplifying rhythms from single bacteria.

The vacant position is in the Dynamics of Micro and Nanosystems (DMN) group. The group focuses on exploiting dynamics of small-scale systems to create technologies that can lead to new products in the fields of scientific instrumentation, consumer electronics and healthcare. Our research spans from measuring and manipulating materials at the micro and nano scale, to the design of world-class MEMS and NEMS sensors and actuators.

You will be working in an international environment in one of the leading technical universities of Europe, with access to state-of-the art micro-nano testing facilities, bio-safety labs, and advanced numerical modelling tools. You will be contributing to a challenging topic related to a European Research Council (ERC) Consolidator grant together with a team of 3 PhD students and 2 postdocs, and with the opportunity to also closely collaborate with a start-up focusing on bringing nanomotion technology to clinical practice.

As a PhD student your tasks will include but not limit to:

• Mastering concepts nanomotion detection and micro-swimmers,
• Extending our existing theoretical and experimental frameworks nanomechanical sensing of bacterial cells,
• Contributing to the teaching and assisting with nonlinear dynamics and experimental modal analysis relevant courses at the department,
• Writing a PhD thesis, publishing in renowned computational journals, and presenting your research at international meetings.

Website and References for further reading:
https://www.tudelft.nl/en/2022/3me/news/bacterial-soundtracks-revealed-by-graphene-membrane

Rosłoń, Irek E., et al. "Probing nanomotion of single bacteria with graphene drums." Nature Nanotechnology 17.6 (2022): 637-642.

Rosłoń, I. E., et al. "Prospects and challenges for graphene drums as sensors of individual bacteria." Applied Physics Letters 124.1 (2024).

Requirements
Specific Requirements

We are looking for applicants with the following qualifications:

• MSc university degree in physics, mechanical engineering, electrical engineering or a related area,
• High motivation for teamwork and good communication skills,
• Proven experimental experience, preferably at micro or nanoscale, is essential,
• Experience in biophysics or micro-swimmers is a plus,
• Experience in (nano)mechanical characterization of micro and nanosystems, and laser interferometry is an advantage.

Doing a PhD at TU Delft requires English proficiency at a certain level to ensure that the candidate is able to communicate and interact well, participate in English-taught Doctoral Education courses, and write scientific articles and a final thesis. For more details please check the Graduate Schools Admission Requirements .

Additional Information
Benefits

Doctoral candidates will be offered a 4-year period of employment in principle, but in the form of 2 employment contracts. An initial 1,5 year contract with an official go/no go progress assessment within 15 months. Followed by an additional contract for the remaining 2,5 years assuming everything goes well and performance requirements are met.

Salary and benefits are in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities, increasing from € 2770 per month in the first year to € 3539 in the fourth year. As a PhD candidate you will be enrolled in the TU Delft Graduate School. The TU Delft Graduate School provides an inspiring research environment with an excellent team of supervisors, academic staff and a mentor. The Doctoral Education Programme is aimed at developing your transferable, discipline-related and research skills.

The TU Delft offers a customisable compensation package, discounts on health insurance, and a monthly work costs contribution. Flexible work schedules can be arranged.

For international applicants, TU Delft has the Coming to Delft Service . This service provides information for new international employees to help you prepare the relocation and to settle in the Netherlands. The Coming to Delft Service offers a Dual Career Programme for partners and they organise events to expand your (social) network.

Selection process

A pre-employment screening can be part of the selection procedure.

Additional comments

For more information about this vacancy, please contact Dr Farbod Alijani ([email protected] ).

Are you interested in this vacancy? Please apply before 15 April 2024 via the application button and upload your motivation letter, MSc transcript, CV, and provide names and email adresses of 2 references.

Only selected applicants will be contacted for an interview.

For information about the application procedure, please contact Linda Verhaar, HR Advisor ([email protected] ).

Notes:
- You can apply online. We will not process applications sent by email and/or post.
- Please do not contact us for unsolicited services.

Website for additional job details

https://www.academictransfer.com/338464/

Work Location(s)

Number of offers available

1

Company/Institute

Delft University of Technology

Country

Netherlands

City

Delft

Postal Code

2628 CD

Street

Mekelweg 2

Geofield

Where to apply

Website

https://www.academictransfer.com/en/338464/phd-position-nanomechanical-sensing-…

Contact

City

Delft

Website

http://www.tudelft.nl/

Street

Mekelweg 2

Postal Code

2628 CD

STATUS: EXPIRED