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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 biorecognition elements (e.g. DNA/RNA), electrochemical biosensors are ideally suited for the selective determination of a wide variety of clinically relevant targets. The detection of the biomarkers of interest will be achieved by taking advantage of the cost-effectiveness and sensitive detection provided by photoelectrochemical strategies. Singal enhancement strategies such as hybridization chain reaction and loop-mediated isothermal amplification will be explored. 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.
- Your academic qualities comply with the requirements stipulated in the university’s policy.
- 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.
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;
- 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 until a candidate has been selected. Click on the ‘Apply’ button, complete the online application form and be sure to include the following attachments: 1) a detailed CV (including honours, grades, skills, publications, …), 2) contact info of two references together with 3) a strong motivation letter, and 4) a weblink to a short video introducing yourself.
- The selection committee reviews new applications on a bi-weekly basis. If you are eligible after review, you will be invited for an interview.
- 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.
