Nanoparticles (NPs) for Biosensing Applications

About the position

The PhD Fellow will be working within the Research Project Nano – Syn – Sens: High-throughput Synthesis of Non-spherical Plasmonic Nanoparticles (NPs) for Applications in Endotoxin Sensing, funded by the Research Council of Norway (RCN) NANO2021 Programme. The project is an Indo-Norwegian Collaboration project with Indian Institute of Technology, Madras (IIT-M) being the project co-ordinator on the Indian side. The overall project will have 3 PhDs, 2 working in India and 1 in Norway, with close collaboration and expected research exchange visits and stays. In accordance with NTNU’s policy for internationalization, a longer international research stay between 3 -12 months can be expected for the PhD position sought for in this advertisement.

Project Description

Lipopolysaccharides (LPS), found in the outer membrane of Gram-negative bacteria such as E. coli, Salmonella and Pseudomonas, can cause endotoxemia, septic shock and multi-organ failure in humans, even at sub nano-molar levels. Currently, there is no reliable sensor for detection of LPS in blood and biopharmaceuticals, despite there being a clear need for such a technology. In this proposal we will develop a solution that exploits the Localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR) of Gold nanoparticles (Au NPs). The LSPR of Au NPs is strongly dependent on NP size, shape, morphology, functionalization among other factors, and this dependence can be exploited in biosensors.

The PhD candidate’s work will focus on understanding and controlling the growth of anisotropic Au NPs using seeded-growth strategies. The applicant will develop both batch and flow-batch processes for AuNP synthesis. The obtained Au NPs will then be functionalized in order to realize ultrasensitive plasmonic sensors for endotoxin detection based on optical fibre technology. The experimental work will be supported by multiscale modelling of the growth process and sensor fabrication, both of which will be done at IIT-M.

Duties of the position

The research work will involve:

• Synthesis of anisotropic Au NPs and subsequent functionalization.
• Characterization using state-of-the art infrastructure at NTNU NanoLab.
• The development of novel flow reactors for AuNP synthesis.
• Studying and controlling growth of the Au NPs in batch and flow.
• Scaling up of continuous processes in collaboration with Department of Chemistry, NTNU.
• Statistical analysis of datasets.
• The candidate is expected to participate actively in the group activities, including mentoring and co-supervision of students. More information about the group can be found here: http://folk.ntnu.no/bandyopa/
• The candidate is expected to be flexible in regard to short -term or long-term international research stays.
• Travelling with respect to conferences, meetings, workshops may be expected as part of the position.

Required selection criteria

The PhD-position's main objective is to qualify for work in research positions. The qualification requirement is that you have completed a master’s degree or second degree (equivalent to 120 credits) with a strong academic background in Chemical Engineering or equivalent education within related fields such as nanotechnology, materials science, chemistry with a grade of B or better in terms of NTNU’s grading scale. If you do not have letter grades from previous studies, you must have an equally good academic foundation. If you are unable to meet these criteria you may be considered only if you can document that you are particularly suitable for education leading to a PhD degree.

The appointment is to be made in accordance with the regulations in force concerning State Employees and Civil Servants and national guidelines for appointment as PhD, post doctor and research assistant.

Preferred selection criteria

• Strong experimental background in synthesis and functionalization of nanomaterials via bottom-up approaches.
• Experience in characterization techniques such as electron microscopy, spectroscopy, light scattering, etc.
• Solid background in data and/or statistical analysis.
• A willingness to design and build equipment and scientific instruments.
• Knowledge and/or experience in flow chemistry will be an advantage.

Personal characteristics

• Positive, creative and enthusiastic.
• Seeks new challenges at work.
• Has keen interest working in interdisciplinary teams.
• Communicates information with clarity and ease, both orally and in writing.

In the evaluation of which candidate is best qualified, emphasis will be placed on education, experience and personal suitability.

We offer

• exciting and stimulating tasks in a strong international academic environment
• an open and inclusive work environment with dedicated colleagues
• favourable terms in the Norwegian Public Service Pension Fund
• employee benefits

Salary and conditions

PhD candidate:

PhD candidates are remunerated in code 1017, and are normally remunerated at gross from NOK 479 600 per annum before tax, depending on qualifications and seniority. From the salary, 2% is deducted as a contribution to the Norwegian Public Service Pension Fund.

The period of employment is 3 years with the possibility of up to 1 year extension with 25% teaching duties in agreement with the department.

Appointment to a PhD position requires that you are admitted to the PhD programme in Chemical Engineering https://www.ntnu.edu/chemeng within three months of employment, and that you participate in an organized PhD programme during the employment period.

The engagement is to be made in accordance with the regulations in force concerning State Employees and Civil Servants, and the acts relating to Control of the Export of Strategic Goods, Services and Technology. Candidates who by assessment of the application and attachment are seen to conflict with the criteria in the latter law will be prohibited from recruitment to NTNU. After the appointment you must assume that there may be changes in the area of work.

About the application

The application and supporting documentation to be used as the basis for the assessment must be in English.

Publications and other scientific work must follow the application. Please note that applications are only evaluated based on the information available on the application deadline. You should ensure that your application shows clearly how your skills and experience meet the criteria which are set out above. 

Joint works will be considered. If it is difficult to identify your contribution to joint works, you must attach a brief description of your participation.

General information

A good work environment is characterized by diversity. We encourage qualified candidates to apply, regardless of their gender, functional capacity or cultural background. 

The city of Trondheim is a modern European city with a rich cultural scene. Trondheim is the innovation capital of Norway with a population of 200,000. The Norwegian welfare state, including healthcare, schools, kindergartens and overall equality, is probably the best of its kind in the world. Professional subsidized day-care for children is easily available. Furthermore, Trondheim offers great opportunities for education (including international schools) and possibilities to enjoy nature, culture and family life and has low crime rates and clean air quality.

NTNU is committed to following evaluation criteria for research quality according to The San Francisco Declaration on Research Assessment - DORA.

As an employee at NTNU, you must at all times adhere to the changes that the development in the subject entails and the organizational changes that are adopted.

Information Act (Offentleglova), your name, age, position and municipality may be made public even if you have requested not to have your name entered on the list of applicants.

If you have any questions about the position, please contact

Dr. Sulalit Bandyopadhyay, telephone +47 4507 1041, email sulalit.bandyopadhyay@ntnu.no 

If you have any questions about the recruitment process, please contact Nina Sandberg, telephone +47 9246 4640, e-mail: nina.sandberg@ntnu.no

Please submit your application electronically via jobbnorge.no with your CV, motivation letter (maximum 2 A4 pages), diplomas and certificates. Applications submitted elsewhere will not be considered. Diploma Supplement is required to attach for European Master Diplomas outside Norway. Chinese applicants are required to provide confirmation of Master Diploma from China Credentials Verification (CHSI).

The position requires spoken and written fluency in the English language. Applicants from non-English-speaking countries outside Europe must document English skills by an approved test. Approved tests are TOEFL, IELTS and Cambridge Certificate in Advanced English (CAE) or Cambridge Certificate of Proficiency in English (CPE).

If you are invited for interview you must include certified copies of transcripts and reference letters.

Please refer to the application number 32/20 when applying.

Application deadline: 30.03.2020

NTNU - knowledge for a better world

The Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU) creates knowledge for a better world and solutions that can change everyday life.

Department of Chemical Engineering 

left: 0px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-right: 0px; margin-left: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; background-color: transparent;">We take chemistry from laboratory scale to industrial production. This demands a wide range of knowledge, from molecular processes and nanotechnology to building and operation of large processing plants. We educate graduates for some of Norway's most important industries. The Department of Chemical Engineering is one of eight departments in the Faculty of Natural Sciences. 

Deadline 30th March 2020
Employer NTNU - Norwegian University of Science and Technology
Municipality Trondheim
Scope Fulltime
Duration Temporary
Place of service Gløshaugen