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

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 20000 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-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 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 cancer 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 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.
• You can demonstrate 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.
• Your research qualities are in line with the faculty and university research policies.

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 December 2024.
• 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.
• 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?

• You can apply for this vacancy through the University of Antwerp’s online job application platform up to and including ThursdayOctober 17^th 2024 (by midnight Brussels time). Click on the 'Apply' button, complete the online application form and be sure to include the following attachments:
  • a detailed CV (including honours, grades, skills, publications, …),
  • contact info of two references together with
  • a strong motivation letter and
  • 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 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.