PhD position Electrical detection at nanoelectrodes

The challenge
The group Nanoionics at the University of Twente is a recently founded, internationally oriented group conducting fundamental research on electrostatics and electron transfer in liquid, and simultaneously exploring new concepts for fluidic technologies based on this new understanding. This multidisciplinary research combines elements of soft matter physics, biophysics, electrochemistry and nanoscience. We are part of the MESA+ Institute for Nanotechnology and make extensive use of the latter’s world-class cleanroom facilities.
Biosensors that rely solely on electrical detection are highly desirable for integration with electronics on the same chip, enabling new assays based on thousands – and potentially millions – of simultaneous stochastic measurements. An important bottleneck in realizing this vision has been the lack of a suitable transduction method for translating (bio)chemical information directly into electrical signals. Electrochemical Impedance Spectroscopy, which uses AC electrical signals to probe processes occurring at the surface of an electrode immersed in liquid, is ideally for this purpose, but stray capacitance largely prevents its use in miniaturized systems. This technical hurdle has recently been overcome by fabricating the electrodes directly unto a conventional CMOS chip, yielding arrays of nanoelectrodes that can be operated at frequencies that are orders of magnitude higher than heretofore possible. This potentially revolutionary technology also raises many interesting scientific questions, as it allows for the first time measuring the high-frequency response of complex fluids on the nanoscale. In this project, we will explore the physical mechanisms that underlie AC detection at nanoelectrodes. Our particular focus will be the response of individual nanoscale objects, with the ultimate aim of detecting and fingerprinting individual macromolecules solely by electrical means. This project will be carried out in close collaboration with semiconductor company NXP.

Our offer
As a PhD candidate you will be appointed in a full-time position (38 hours/week) for a period of maximum four years and at the end you should have completed your PhD thesis. The gross monthly salary for a PhD increases from € 2042 in the first year to € 2612 in the final year (in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities). In addition, the University of Twente offers attractive employment conditions. Depending on interests and aptitudes, it is also possible to join one of the educational programs of the Twente Graduate School.

Your profile
We seek students with a solid background in physics. Applicants from other disciplines such as chemistry and electrical engineering and with a strong affinity for physics are also welcome. While our main focus is on experiments, interests and aptitudes in theory are also desirable. We aim at research at the highest international level, and candidates who fit into this environment are invited to apply. Applications should include a cover letter, CV, university transcripts and contact information for 3 or more references.
For more information, please contact Prof.Serge Lemay, s.g.lemay@utwente.nl, or see our website, http://www.utwente.nl/tnw/ni/.

The organisation
The University of Twente. We stand for life sciences and technology. High tech and human touch. Education and research that matter. New technology which drives change, innovation and progress in society. The University of Twente is the only campus university in the Netherlands; divided over six faculties we provide more than fifty educational programmes. The University of Twente has a strong
focus on personal development and talented researchers are given scope for carrying out pioneering research.
Within the TNW Faculty (Faculty of Science & Technology) of the University of Twente some 700 staff members and more than 1100 students are involved in training and research on the interface of chemical technology, applied physics and biomedical technology. Fields of application include sustainable energy, process technology and materials science, nanotechnology and technical medicine. Research, which enjoys a high profile both at home and internationally, has been accommodated in the multidisciplinary research institutes IMPACT, MESA+ and MIRA. The faculty works together intensively with industrial partners and researchers in the Netherlands and abroad and conducts extensive research for external commissioning parties and funders.
 
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