Netherlands : PhD in Biochips Design for Algae Monitoring

The Department of Mechanical Engineering considers as the core of its activities design, realization and analysis of new products, processes and materials. Besides the basis of (solid and fluid) mechanics, materials, control and thermodynamics, parts of mathematics, physics, chemistry and computing science are important supporting tools. The field is explored by a combination of modeling using fundamental concepts and applied engineering and technology. Automotive Engineering Science and Micro- & Nano-Scale Engineering are important departmental themes. The Mechanical Engineering Department comprises about 1000 students and 250 staff members.

The research group for Micro- and Nano-scale engineering has a broad interest for relevant technology that can solve micro- and nano-scales engineering problems. In particular, it has special interest in non-silicon-based systems (like polymer MEMS and non-lithographic approaches). The activities in this group focus on:

• Micro- and nano- fabrication;
• Fluidics, sensors and actuators;
• System integration.

Early detection of algae proliferation is an important environmental issue as well as a public health issue since some algae can be particularly virulent and toxic. The human health risk not only relates to drinking water but also bathing water: for instance, as a result of intensive human activities, eutrophication of freshwater systems has favored the presence of cyanobacteria or “blue-green algae” that can produce potent toxins.
We currently have an opening for a PhD student in the field of biochips design. Over the years, the group has developed an expertise for femtosecond laser micromachining of glass biochips with embedded functionalities like optical and micro-mechanical features. We plan to further advance this technology and to apply it to the study of algae.

Tasks
As a PhD student, you will design and fabricate a proof-of-concept biochip for algae monitoring. Your tasks will be to investigate various detection schemes (including optical and/or mechanical means), to implement a proof-of-concept and to analyze the experimental results. The latter will include some modelling of the algae physical interaction with the sensing platform. The long-term objective of this project is to implement a portable, field-deployable device that can rapidly screen volumes of freshwater and assess the micro-algae load.
This work will be done in collaboration with a biologist at the Norwegian Institute for Water Research (NIVA) who will provide its expertise of the biology of algae as well as specimens.
Furthermore you will implement and design a biochip suitable for algae monitoring. This will imply a study of some of the aspects of the femtosecond laser interaction with glass (from a laser-matter interaction point of view), the design of the integrated optics and micro-mechanical components. The project will be highly multi-disciplinary and will come across various disciplines such as optics, mechanics and material sciences.

Requirements

We are looking for outstanding candidate who meets the following requirements:

• MSc in Applied Physics, Mechanical Engineering, Micro-Engineering or similar;
• A strong interest for multidisciplinary research;
• Strong analytical skills;
• Good communication skills in English.

Appointment and Salary
We offer:

• A challenging job at a dynamic and ambitious University
• An appointment for four years (start date as soon as possible)
• Gross monthly salaries are in accordance with the Collective Labor Agreement of the Dutch Universities (CAO NU), increasing from € 2042 per month initially, to € 2612 in the fourth year.
• An attractive package of fringe benefits (including excellent work facilities, end of the year allowance and sport facilities)

Additional Information

• about this particular PhD topic: dr. Yves Bellouard, Ass. Prof., tel.: +31 (0)40 247 3715, email: y.bellouard@tue.nl)
• about working in The Netherlands and employment conditions at the TU/e: ir. M.E.M. Roelands, HR Advisor, tel.: +31 (0)40 2474163, email: pzwtb@tue.nl

Further Information

Application Deadline : 1 June 2010

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Posted on 2010-05-01 07:45:14

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