Doctoral scholarship holder signal enhancement strategies for photoelectrochemical sensors for nucleic acid-based sequences

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A-PECS at the Department of Bioscience Engineering in the Faculty of Science is looking for a full-time (100%) doctoral scholarship holder in the field of signal enhancement strategies for photoelectrochemical sensors for nucleic acid-based sequences.

The overall goal of this PhD is the development of strategies to enhance the sensitivity of novel photoelectrochemical biosensors (e.g. rolling circle amplification) that will pave the way to the construction of affordable, robust, and user-friendly platforms for healthcare applications, i.e. cancer diagnosis and infectious disease diagnostics. 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 biomarkers of interest will be achieved by taking advantage of the cost-effectiveness and sensitive detection provided by photoelectrochemical strategies. This PhD will contribute to the efforts of getting insight into a yet unexplored biosensing and signal amplification strategies.

Position

• You prepare a doctoral thesis in the field of signal enhancement strategies for photoelectrochemical sensors for nucleic acid-based cancer biomarkers and pathogens.
• You publish scientific articles related to the research project of the assignment.
• You present your work at national and international workshops and conferences.

Profile

• You hold a master degree in biotechnology, biomedical sciences, 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.

What 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 September 2024;
• You will do most of your work at Campus Groenenborger in a dynamic and stimulating working environment.
• Find out more about working at the University of Antwerp here.

Want to apply?

• Please send 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, up to and including July 15^th 2024.
• A pre-selection will be made from amongst the submitted applications.
• If you have any questions about the online application form, please check the frequently asked questions or send an email to jobs@uantwerpen.be. If you have any questions about the job itself, please contact karolien.dewael@uantwerpen.be.

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.