PhD position on CRISPR diagnostics on-chip for early cancer detection

Previously, we have presented an in vitro diagnostic tool for methylation quantification and identification in synthetic DNA by combining Cas12a and methylation-sensitive restriction enzymes (MSREs). However, this technique poses one significant limitation in its current form: its relatively high limit of detection. With recent advances in point-of-care DNA extraction, ultra-fast enzymes, and the relatively fast CRISPR/Cas12a-based fluorescence detection (about 15 min - 1 hour depending on the input concentration), we believe we can overcome the detection limitations by integrating the CRISPR assay into a microfluidic chip. The development of this microfluidic device and a corresponding read-out method is the aim of this challenging PhD project.

This PhD project is part of the NXTGEN Hightech growth fund, and therefore you will work in close collaboration with Amsterdam UMC, Wageningen University and companies related to this project.

Are you interested in this position? Please send your application via the 'Apply now' button below before 15 April 2023, and include:

• A detailed CV
• A motivation letter
• Contact details of referees

For more information regarding this position, you are welcome to contact (Loes Segerink, [email protected])

At BIOS, lab on a Chip group we aim to bridge physics, biology and chemistry with the power of Lab on a chip technology. As such we are an interdisciplinary group, part of the MESA+ Institute for Nanotechnology and Technical Medical Centre.

The faculty of Electrical Engineering, Mathematics and Computer Science (EEMCS) uses mathematics, electronics and computer technology to contribute to the development of Information and Communication Technology (ICT). With ICT present in almost every device and product we use nowadays, we embrace our role as contributors to a broad range of societal activities and as pioneers of tomorrow's digital society. As part of a people-first tech university that aims to shape society, individuals and connections, our faculty works together intensively with industrial partners and researchers in the Netherlands and abroad, and conducts extensive research for external commissioning parties and funders. Our research has a high profile both in the Netherlands and internationally. It has been accommodated in three multidisciplinary UT research institutes: Mesa+ Institute, TechMed Centre and Digital Society Institute.