The position:
BIONanophotonic Systems (BIOS) laboratory at EPFL Switzerland (headed by Prof. Hatice Altug) is looking for a talented & motivated PhD student to work on the development of cutting-edge Mid-IR nanophotonic biosensors and bioimaging devices for applications such as diagnostics, pharmaceutics and safety.
In a well-established laboratory, the PhD student will explore next-generation bioanalytical devices operating within the infrared band of the electromagnetic spectrum for chemical specific & conformational sensitive detection of biomolecules, biological and chemical samples. PhD work will exploit novel concepts including surface enhanced infrared absorption spectroscopy (SEIRA) enabled by nanophotonic metasurfaces, hyperspectral imaging, state-of-the-art infrared equipment such as quantum cascade lasers and focal-plane array detectors as well as AI-based data science techniques. We expect that newly developed sensors will find numerous applications such as for the study and diagnosis of diseases triggered by protein misfolding as in neurodegenerative disorders, drug discovery and safety. Anticipated tasks include preparing a research plan, numerical design and fabrication of nanophotonic chips, reconfiguring optical set-ups through incorporation of novel imaging and spectroscopy techniques, microfluidics integration, optimizing bioassays and surface chemistry, handling biological samples, performing optical/biological experiments, data analysis, reporting and disseminating research outcome.
Candidate profile:
The candidate is expected to hold a BS or MS degree in Electrical Engineering, Photonics, Bioengineering, Biophysics, Nanotechnology or closely related disciplines with outstanding academic record (excellent grades) & research experience (publications in peer-reviewed scientific journals/conferences). Following qualifications are desired, although we don’t expect having experience in all of them:
- Solid background and training in optics, photonics and electromagnetics.
- Hands-on experience in optical microscopy, spectroscopy and optical/electronic instrumentation.
- Experience in nanophotonics including electromagnetic design through optical simulations (e.g., CST, Lumerical, COMSOL), nanofabrication and nanostructure characterization.
- Hands-on experience with biosensors, biological sample handling and/or bioassay development.
- Experience in cleanroom (micro/nanofabrication).
- Experience with microfluidics.
- Experience in programming user interfaces for devices/instrumentation, optical set-up automation, data extraction (e.g., Python, Matlab, LabVIEW).
- Experience in data analysis using signal processing tools (e.g AI, DNN).
- Fluent in English (both written and spoken) and excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
- Independent, self-driven, creative, solution-oriented, open-minded, team-player & collaborative.
We offer:
- Opportunity to work on multidisciplinary and cutting-edge projects using nanophotonic biosensors, bioimaging, spectroscopy and lab-on-a-chip systems for bioanalytical and biomedical applications.
- Opportunity to access state-of-the-art research facilities and laboratory resources.
- Opportunity to collaborate with world-leading research groups.
- EPFL is an international and top ranking engineering university. It offers a dynamic, stimulating, interdisciplinary, international and friendly working environment, a broad range of scientific training and networking events and also hosts a vibrant entrepreneurial community.
- EPFL is an equal-opportunity employer. Candidates will be recruited based on merit.
Keywords:
Nanophotonics, infrared spectroscopy, optical nanobiosensors & bioimaging systems, lab-on-a-chip devices, microfluidics, biological samples, diagnostics
Group website: https://www.epfl.ch/labs/bios/
Group leader: Prof. Hatice ALTUG
Relevant recent papers from our lab:
1- Artificial intelligence–coupled plasmonic infrared sensor for detection of structural protein biomarkers in neurodegenerative diseases. Kavungal et al. Science Advances (2023).
2- Metasurface-Enhanced Infrared Spectroscopy: An Abundance of Materials and Functionalities. John-Herpin et al. Advanced Materials (2022). (Review Article)
3- Infrared Metasurface Augmented by Deep Learning for Monitoring Dynamics between All Major Classes of Biomolecules. John-Herpin et al. Advanced Materials (2021).
4- Wafer-Scale Functional Metasurfaces for Mid-Infrared Photonics and Biosensing. Leitis et al. Advanced Materials (2021).
Start date: As soon as possible
Contact:
Please send your application with the subject line « Mid-IR Nano PhD Position» to [email protected] in a single pdf file containing supporting information such as cover letter, CV, transcript, list of publications, and contact details of at least three referees.
It is important to note that PhD candidate hiring is subject to admission by an EPFL doctoral program. Therefore interested candidates need to submit their application to suitable EPFL doctoral programs such as EDPO (Photonics), EDBB (Bioengineering), EDMI (Microtechnique), EDEE (Electrical) for full consideration. For this call we recommend EDPO.