Doctoral fellow

Job description

As part of the highly prestigious ERC Starting Grant NEFELI (Neuromorphic Flexible Electro/chemical Interface for in-Memory Bio-Sensing and Computing), a Ph.D. position is available at Ghent University from January 2025. The project aims to develop and validate implantable devices for sensing neurodegenerative disease-related biomarkers. The PhD candidate will be part of an interdisciplinary team working towards this objective at the IMEC-associated research lab Centre for Microsystems Technology (CMST) (https://www.cmst.be/) at the Department of Electronics and Information Systems (ELIS) of the Faculty of Engineering and Architecture.

The PhD candidate will perform research on the development of miniaturized, biocompatible neuromorphic device arrays (design, in-house fabrication and testing) and device characterization (electrical, morphological, mechanical, biocompatibility…). He/she will be in charge of the implementation and experimental validation of the system for biosensing. Specifically, he/she will lead experiments to detect and monitor biomarker concentrations, identify key parameters for effective sensing, and design a comprehensive biosensing framework with standardized protocols. The whole system can be realized using micro- and nanotechnologies in the state-of-the-art cleanroom at Ghent University. The PhD candidate will continuously interact with other researchers working on the project.

In addition to these primary research responsibilities, the PhD student will actively contribute to the educational mission of our institution by providing (limited) support for courses and taking on a mentoring role by supervising master theses related to the subject of the PhD.

Job profile

PROFILE

We are looking for a highly motivated person interested in our area of research, ready to explore new avenues in science and develop his/her skills and knowledge further with the following requirements:

• You hold a master’s degree in Micro and Nano Systems or Materials Science or Physics Engineering or Chemical Engineering or equivalent and graduated with distinction. The degree requirement needs to be fulfilled at the start of your appointment. For diplomas awarded outside the European Union, a certificate of equivalence (NARIC) must be submitted.
• You have good knowledge and practical experience with microfabrication and Clean Room work and have a profound interest in neuromorphic devices, practical work, and bio/medical applications.
• You have good interpersonal skills and motivation to work on an interdisciplinary project and in a multidisciplinary research team.
• You are proactive and able to work independently, pay attention to experimental accuracy and precision with new concepts in a creative and critical way, solving problems independently and in a team.
• You are fluent in English (both spoken and written), and you have excellent communication skills to report results (written and oral).
• The rankings of the university(-ies) where the BSc and MSc diplomas are obtained will be taken into consideration during the selection process.
• Previous experience as a research assistant or industrial expertise in a specific domain of the position is a plus.
  
  

WHAT WE OFFER

• We offer a full-time 1-year position as a doctoral fellow (extendable to a total maximum of 48 months based on performance and upon positive evaluation).
• We offer a pleasant work climate within a dynamic team.
• You will participate in a prestigious ERC interdisciplinary project.
• The doctoral project combines micro/nanofabrication, material science, sensor development, basic biochemistry, and electronics to generate a truly interdisciplinary doctoral research scientist.
• You will receive advanced and extensive training, technical and advisory support throughout the research project by the highly-qualified research staff (CMST/IMEC support team).
• Access to the leading-quality cleanroom installation and characterization facilities at Ghent University.
• All Ghent University staff members enjoy a number of benefits, such as a wide range of training and education opportunities, 36 days of holiday leave (on an annual basis for a full-time job) supplemented by annual fixed bridge days, a bicycle allowance, eco vouchers, etc.
• You will have opportunities to participate in national and international meetings/conferences and establish your own network.
• Your contract will start on January 1st, 2025 at the earliest.
  
  

Ghent University

Ghent University (https://www.ugent.be/en) is a world of its own. Employing more than 15.000 people, it is actively involved in education and research, management and administration, as well as technical and social service provision on a daily basis. It is one of the largest, most exciting employers in the area and offers great career opportunities. With its 11 faculties and more than 85 departments offering state-of-the-art study programs grounded in research in a wide range of academic fields, Ghent University is a logical choice for its staff and students.

Centre for Microsystems Technology (CMST)

CMST (www.cmst.be) is an IMEC-associated interdisciplinary research group at Ghent University. CMST focuses on smart microsystems design, fabrication, and integration and more specifically: i) for health applications ii) conformable, soft sensors for wearables and textile integrated sensor systems and structural electronics iii) optical microsystems including soft and flexible waveguide probes for optogenetics and flexible wearable photonic patches. CMST has on board an excellent Clean Room support team (14 highly skilled research supporting staff), a business developer, and an innovation officer supporting all CMST members in patent development, start-up and/or spin-off endeavors. CMST consists of scientists, and engineers who are determined to provide support according to their skill set and expertise and transfer knowledge.

How to apply

If you are interested in this job offer, you can address your application letter, curriculum vitae with references, transcripts, and English certificate by e-mail (Subject line: PhD position) to ioulia.tzouvadaki@ugent.be. After a first screening, selected candidates will be invited for an interview (in person or remotely via MS Teams). For more information about this vacancy, you can contact Prof. Ioulia Tzouvadaki (ioulia.tzouvadaki@ugent.be).

The application deadline is November 15, 2024. Please note that the vacancy can be closed before the deadline if a suitable candidate is found.

Prof. Ioulia Tzouvadaki
Dept. Electronics and Information Systems
Centre for Microsystems Technology (CMST)-imec
Ghent University
iGent, Technologiepark 126, 9052 Zwijnaarde, Belgium
e-mail: Ioulia.Tzouvadaki@UGent.be | ioulia.tzouvadaki@imec.be