"Postdoc Life Marker Chip Surface Functionalization for Biosensing"

Job Description

Postdoctoral position available in surface functionalization of Life Marker Chips for space-based biosensing.

Project Background: The (Origin of) Life Marker Chip (LMCOOL) project develops space-qualified biosensors for detecting molecular biosignatures during planetary exploration missions. The LMCOOL system uses integrated photonic circuits with asymmetric Mach-Zehnder Interferometer (aMZI) sensors on silicon nitride platforms, enabling highly sensitive, label-free detection of biomolecules for astrobiological research. An essential component of the technology is chip functionalisation with receptor molecules.

Position Overview: We seek a postdoctoral researcher to develop and optimize surface functionalization strategies for optical chips, focusing on molecular recognition systems capable of operating in extreme space environments.

Main Tasks:

• Surface Chemistry Development: Design and optimize chip surface chemistry for target biomolecules including amino acids, nucleobases, and lipid biomarkers. Explore multiple surface modification strategies including Poly-L-lysine, silane-based approaches, and novel functionalization techniques.
• Molecular Recognition Elements: Characterize the performance of various receptors, ranging from Aptamers to Molecularly Imprinted Polymers (MIPs), optimized for specificity, affinity, binding characteristics, and photonic chip integration.
• Establishing laboratory facilities: Lead the installation of new measurement equipment and setup new lab facilities and protocols appropriate for Life Marker Chip studies. Supervise student using these new facilities.
• Space Environment Testing: Support and supervise comprehensive characterization studies including thermal cycling stability, radiation exposure effects, and long-term vacuum stability of functionalized chips.
• Reporting: Communicate findings to project partners with diverse backgrounds (e.g., space systems engineering, astrobiology, microfluidics) to support the development of a prototype LMCOOL instrument for space operation. Help outline protocols and methodologies for operation in planetary environments. Disseminate findings in the form of project reports, research papers, and at conferences.

Job Requirements

PhD in Chemistry, Materials Science, Chemical Engineering, or closely related field. Strong background in surface chemistry, molecular recognition, or biosensor development. Experience with surface modification techniques and characterization methods. Proficiency in analytical techniques such as spectroscopy, microscopy, and surface analysis methods. Experience with cleanroom processes and microfabrication techniques is highly desirable. Strong publication record in relevant scientific journals.

Employment will take place at two locations: The University of Twente (UT, Enschede) and Delft University of Technology (TUD, Delft). The successful applicant is anticipated to spend their time approximately 50/50 between the two locations, where the first year is primarily at UT and the second year at TUD.

Conditions of employment

Duration of contract is 2 years. Temporary. A job of 38 hours per week. Salary and benefits are in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities. An excellent pension scheme via the ABP. The possibility to compile an individual employment package every year. Discount with health insurers on supplemental packages. Flexible working week. Every year, 232 leave hours (at 38 hours). You can also sell or buy additional leave hours via the individual choice budget. Plenty of opportunities for education, training and courses. Partially paid parental leave. Attention for working healthy and energetically with the vitality program.