PostDoc position: Biosensors for occupational health

at  KU Leuven

PostDoc position: Biosensors for occupational health
(ref. BAP-2024-564)
Laatst aangepast: 20/08/24
The Laboratory for Soft Matter and Biophysics (ZMB) within the Department of Physics and Astronomy develops bioanalytical sensors for applications in medical diagnostics, environmental monitoring, and food safety.
For this project, we will team up with the Department of Electrical Engineering ESAT of KU Leuven (prof. Irene Taurino) and with the Environment and Health Unit of the KUL Faculty of Medicine (prof. Jeroen Vanoirbeek). The postdoctoral researcher will cooperate with all three research teams.
The first year of the project aims at developing and testing of the sensor under laboratory conditions (ZMB and ESAT), while the second year is devoted to field studies with volunteering firefighters (Environment and Health).
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Responsibilities
Firefighters are exposed to occupational health risks and one of them are polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon molecules (PAHs) released during fires. PAHs enter the human body not only along the lung but also through the skin and they are known as risk factors for developing cancer at a later age. To assess whether uptake of PAHs has taken place, we will develop a biosensor system that can detect characteristic PAH metabolites in the urine. The sensor will be designed for facile and low-cost, routine measurements and the results will aid occupational physicians in following up their patients. The project is multi-faceted and the overall idea is to come up with a sensor-system solution that has a very high technological readiness level, ideally for serial production.

The responsibilities of the postdoctoral researcher include, but are not limited to, the following aspects:

• Design and implementation of the sensor instrument, including wireless data transmission.
• Development and fabrication of microstructured electrode arrays by cleanroom techniques.
• Functionalization of the microelectrodes with molecularly imprinted polymer layers for selective recognition of PAH metabolites.
• Optimization of the electrochemical sensing parameters using voltammetry or impedance spectroscopy.
• Calibrating the sensor system with concentration series of different PAH metabolites in synthetic urine.
• Taking the technical lead during the field studies with volunteering firefighters.

Profile

The project is interdisciplinary and suitable candidates hold a Ph.D. in one of the following disciplines:

• Experimental physics, including applied physics and biophysics.
• Engineering, including electroctechnical engineering, industrial engineering, chemical engineering, and bio-engineering.
• Analytical, organic, or physical chemistry.
• Nanoscience or microtechnology.

Candidates should have a solid interest in health sciences in combination with a good knowledge in electronics, programming, and microfabrication. Skills in biochemistry and organic chemistry are an asset.
If you are interested in the project and your Ph.D. diploma is not included in the list above, please contact Patrick Wagner.

Offer

• A full-time contract for a period of 2 years (24 months) with a generous benefits package.
• Working in an interdisciplinary and international, result-oriented team.
• Becoming a specialist in using state-of the art cleanroom technology and in labelfree bioanalytical sensors.
• Taking a leap forward towards a better preventive health care for occupational diseases.
• Participating actively in national and international conferences and publishing in high ranked scientific journals.

Interested?
For more information please contact Prof. dr. Patrick Wagner, tel.: +32 16 32 21 79, mail: patrickhermann.wagner@kuleuven.be.
You can apply for this job no later than September 09, 2024 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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Tewerkstellingspercentage: Voltijds
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Locatie : Leuven
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Solliciteren tot en met:

• Design and implementation of the sensor instrument, including wireless data transmission.
• Development and fabrication of microstructured electrode arrays by cleanroom techniques.
• Functionalization of the microelectrodes with molecularly imprinted polymer layers for selective recognition of PAH metabolites.
• Optimization of the electrochemical sensing parameters using voltammetry or impedance spectroscopy.
• Calibrating the sensor system with concentration series of different PAH metabolites in synthetic urine.
• Taking the technical lead during the field studies with volunteering firefighters