PhD in Precision Electrochemical Nanosensor Development for quorum sensing molecule detection

Tyndall National Institute
April 03, 2024
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Offerd Salary:€250m
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Contract Type:Fixed Term
Working Time:Full time
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AOR-38– PhD in Precision Electrochemical Nanosensor Development for quorum sensing molecule detection

Contract: Full Time/Fixed Term

As one of Europe's leading ICT institutes, with over 600 people and a capital infrastructure in excess of €250m, Tyndall is now focusing its research on front end precision electrochemical nanosensor development. We recently won and are coordinating a new EU funded project “BIOSENSEI: Biosensor-Based Diagnostic Platform Enabling Real-Time Monitoring of Existing and Emerging Pollutants”. The main aim of this project is to develop a real-time, multiplexed, end-to-end, tailored and reliable biosensor platform, using cellular responses, for the detection of abiotic pollutants (nutrients, estrogenic endocrine-disrupting chemicals, and PFAS (perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances); and biotic pollutants (microcystins).

As part of this EU-funded project, applications are invited for a PhD research position within the Nanotechnology Group at the Tyndall National Institute – University College Cork. The position is initially for two years with potential for extension pending further funding. Heretofore we have developed new integrated electrochemical nanosensors employing nanowires as on-chip sensing elements and have demonstrated significantly enhanced sensitivity, when compared to the state of the art sensors, for a range of important molecules including: chemical analytes (e.g., pesticides, ions, etc) and biochemicals analytes (e.g., DNA, viruses, glucose). The application of Bi- potentiometric on-chip sensing employing generator collector and localised pH control techniques has resulted in high impact publications with 26 of our last 50 publications being in the top 10% of journals in their field.

Applications are invited from scientists and engineers who hold a first-class honour undergraduate degree or an honours Master's degree in chemistry, physics, materials science, electrical engineering or a closely related discipline.

Responsibilities

  • The candidate will co-develop new approaches for electrochemical detection of bacteria quorum sensing molecules based on cyclic voltammetry, square wave voltammetry or other appropriate techniques.
  • The candidate will also contribute to the development and fabrication of novel on-chip nanoscale Boron Doped Diamond (BDD) electrodes and contribute to test, characterisation, evaluation, integration of these sensors with electronic circuitry field deployment and validation.
  • Work will also focus on developing and applying machine learning and data analysis to optimise the sensor output.
  • Other Responsibilities

  • Participate in Education and Public Engagement activities, as required.
  • Ensure all activities are compliant with the Tyndall Quality Management system.
  • Ensure all activities are compliant with the required Health and Safety standards.
  • Carry out any additional duties as may reasonably be required within the general scope and level of the scholarship.
  • Essential Criteria

  • Honours BSc or Master's degree in chemistry/materials science/physics or equivalent
  • Good knowledge of sensor development and deployment
  • Good knowledge of solid-state chemistry and/or electrical engineering
  • Strong interpersonal skills and ability to work in a wider team
  • Ability to critically evaluate the obtained results and present to their peers.
  • Desirable Criteria

  • A Master's degree in developing electrochemical methods would be highly desirable.
  • Knowledge of electrochemistry techniques
  • The successful student will receive training in all research methods required and will work alongside experienced professional researchers within the Nanotechnology Group, attend conferences and publish in high impact journals. The research is supported by a suite of equipment and laboratory facilities within the group that are amongst the best in Europe.

    Informal enquiries can be made in confidence to Dr. Alan O'Riordan at [email protected]

    Closing date for application is 3rd April, 2024 before noon.

    Application Instructions

    Clickhere to Apply

    Postgraduate applicants whose first language is not English must provide evidence of English language proficiency as per UCC regulations (https: // www. ucc.ie/en/study/comparison/english/postgraduate/). Certificates should be valid (usually less than 2 years old) and should be uploaded with their application.

    Please note that Garda vetting and/or an international police clearance check may form part of the selection process.

    The University, at its discretion, may undertake to make an additional appointment(s) from this competition following the conclusion of the process.

    Please note that an appointment to posts advertised will be dependent on University approval, together with the terms of the employment control framework for the higher education sector.

    At this time, Tyndall National Institute does not require the assistance of recruitment agencies.

    Tyndall National Institute at University College, Cork is an Equal Opportunities Employer.

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