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PhD Position - The Division of Mechatronics, Biostatistics and Sensors

Employer
KATHOLIEKE UNIVERSITEIT LEUVEN
Location
Leuven, Louvain (BE)
Closing date
22 Nov 2019

PHD POSITION ON “GENERATION OF LARGE MICROFLUIDIC DROPLET LIBRARIES: BROADENING HIGH-THROUGHPUT SCREENING APPLICATIONS”

(ref. BAP-2019-639)

The Division of Mechatronics, Biostatistics and Sensors (MeBioS) performs groundbreaking research on innovative sensor technologies and the associated data analysis methods to understand and control the quality of products and ongoing processes. The Biomimetics research group focuses on replicating biological functions via engineered micro- and nano-systems for biomedical applications.

Project

Recent years have seen a surge in the development of microfluidic platforms for a wide diversity of applications, from diagnostics to new fundamental science studies. Microdroplet-based platforms (a particular branch of microfluidics capable of generating and manipulating identical, fL to nL-sized droplets at kHz rates) has spearheaded several revolutionary High-Throughput Screening (HTS) assays, notably for applications in single cell omics. Yet, other promising HTS applications of droplet-based microfluidics (such as drug screening) remain largely untapped due to the impossibility of current droplet generation strategies to produce large droplet libraries of diverse composition.

This project aims to develop a strategy to solve the aforementioned limitation of droplet-based technology by developing a hybrid microfluidic-liquid handling platform with the capacity of generating large droplet libraries with distinct chemical payloads. Your tasks will involve:

  • Designing, manufacturing and testing of novel microfluidic devices capable of rapid and multiplexed droplet formation.
  • Testing and applying amelioration strategies for stable long-term droplet storage and prevention of payload leakage / droplet cross-talk.
  • Setting up and operation of droplet screening systems and lab automation devices (e.g. liquid handling systems).

Profile

Are you an energetic and versatile scientist/engineer, who is keen to work at the crossroads of several disciplines (from chemistry to intelligent control systems)? Then you may be the perfect scientist to join our team.

The ideal candidate will already possess the following skills (although commitment/capacity to acquire them rapidly may also suffice):

  • A working knowledge in one or more programming languages (Python, LabView, Matlab, C++), ideally with a focus on computer vision, machine learning/AI or laboratory automation.
  • Experience in developing robotic systems (ideally liquid handling robots).
  • Practical knowledge in working with microfluidic devices.

Additionally, you should also be eligible to apply for FWO PhD fellowships (https://www.fwo.be/en/fellowships-funding/phd-fellowships/), but exceptional candidates not meeting this requirement will also be considered.

Offer

  • We offer a full-time PhD position for 1 year. After positive evaluation, the contract can be extended to 3 additional years (4 years in total).  
  • Excellent guidance by our young, dynamic and multidisciplinary team.
  • State of the art research infrastructure.
  • A challenging job in a young, dynamic environment.
  • High level scientific training at a top-ranked university.
  • Being part of a world-class research group.
  • Remuneration according to the KU Leuven salary scales (https://www.kuleuven.be/personeel/jobsite/en/phd-info).

Interested?

For more information please contact Prof. dr. Xavier Casadevall i Solvas (Xevi), tel.: +32 16 37 71 03, mail: xevi.casadevall@kuleuven.be.

You can apply for this job no later than November 22, 2019 via the online application tool

KU Leuven seeks to foster an environment where all talents can flourish, regardless of gender, age, cultural background, nationality or impairments. If you have any questions relating to accessibility or support, please contact us at diversiteit.HR@kuleuven.be.

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