项目介绍

2025年2月8日

In the Nanobiophysics team of the Soft Matter and Biophysics Unit, we combine soft matter physics with biosensor micro- and nanotechnologies to construct sensing devices with high sensitivity, selectivity and antifouling properties to enable chemical sensing in vivo.
We develop sensing schemes allowing for long-term, continuous, multiparameter monitoring in vivo to acquire knowledge on the brain function and/or electrode-induced trauma and inflammatory responses. In these projects we work together with neuroscientists and healthcare professionals from the Faculty of Medicine, Psychology and UZ Leuven.

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Project

We are seeking highly motivated PhD students to join our research team in the development of advanced implantable electrochemical biosensors for neuroprosthetic applications. The candidate PhDs will work on the design, fabrication and characterization of biosensors for fast monitoring of neurotransmitters and inflammatory markers, respectively. Such a position offers an exciting opportunity to do research in a multidisciplinary team, including neuroscientists and medical professionals, on technologies with real world impact, aimed at enabling biosensing inside the human body, through innovative sensor designs.
Two new projects are targetting monitoring of inflammatory markers with intracochlear sensor arrays and neurotransmitter release in the brain, respectively. We are seeking PhD candidates to perform research on these topics. 
Key responsibilities: 

• Develop and optimize electrochemical biosensors towards high sensitivity and selectivity.
• Conduct in vitro testing for sensor validation.
• Analyze electrochemical data and improve sensor performance.
• Collaborate with interdisciplinary teams, including biologists and medical professionals.
• Analyze data, prepare reports and publish research findings in peer-reviewed journals.
• Present research at conferences and seminars.

Profile

• Master’s degree in (bio)physics, medical engineering, bioengineering, chemistry, materials science, or a related field.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent written and oral communication in English.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a collaborative team.
• Experience in electrochemistry, (bio)sensor fabrication, or microfabrication is a plus.

Offer

• A full-time PhD bursary contract for a period of 4 years with a midterm evaluation during the second year.
• Competitive stipend and tuition waiver.
• Access to state-of-the-art research facilities and resources.
• Opportunities for professional development and networking.
• Earning a PhD degree upon successful completion of the research.

Application procedure: Interested candidates should submit a CV, academic transcripts (bachelor and master) and contact information for 2 references to carmen.bartic@kuleuven.be. 

Interested?

For more information please contact Prof. dr. Carmen Bartic, tel.: +32 16 37 20 01, mail: carmen.bartic@kuleuven.be or Mrs. Danielle Verachtert, tel.: +32 16 32 71 31, mail: danielle.verachtert@kuleuven.be.You can apply for this job no later than March 24, 2025 via the online application tool

KU Leuven strives for an inclusive, respectful and socially safe environment. We embrace diversity among individuals and groups as an asset. Open dialogue and differences in perspective are essential for an ambitious research and educational environment. In our commitment to equal opportunity, we recognize the consequences of historical inequalities. We do not accept any form of discrimination based on, but not limited to, gender identity and expression, sexual orientation, age, ethnic or national background, skin colour, religious and philosophical diversity, neurodivergence, employment disability, health, or socioeconomic status. For questions about accessibility or support offered, we are happy to assist you at this email address.

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