Phd Position In Integrated Microelectronics/Photonics For Electro- Optical Molecule Detection In...

Organisation/Company: Elements srl

Research Field: Engineering › Electronic engineering Engineering › Microengineering Physics › Electronics Technology › Micro-technology

Researcher Profile: First Stage Researcher (R1)

Application Deadline: 31/01/2023 00:00 - Europe/Brussels

Location: Italy › Cesena

Type Of Contract: Temporary

Job Status: Full-time

Hours Per Week: 40

Eu Research Framework Programme: H2020 / Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions

Reference Number: HORIZON-MSCA-DN-2021

Marie Curie Grant Agreement Number: 101072818

Motivation:

The successful candidate will be part of an emerging project carried out at Elements under the supervision of Marco Bennati and Michele Biondi with the funding of Marie Skłodowska-Curie Doctoral Networks HORIZON-MSCA-DN-2021 project called DYNAMO.

DYNAMO is designed as an innovative and pioneering training network, with the unique vision of developing the next-generation hybrid nanopore technology exploiting DNA nanostructures integrated with multifunctional solid-state platforms, by:

Bringing together a unique team of 6 world-leading academic groups, at the forefront of nanoscience and single molecule sensing and manipulation, and 1 high tech company, to translate the innovations into real-world applications;

Training 10 Junior Researchers (JR) on a unique mix of experimental and computational skills at the physics/chemistry/biotechnology interface;

Enabling technological advances through the combination of enhanced optical spectroscopies, plasmonics and DNA nanotechnology. This will lead to the development of nanopore technologies with unprecedented functionality and single molecule control;

Reaching single molecule capturing and tweezing functionality in solid- state nanopore in a way that has not been possible before. This will pave the way to fascinating new discoveries into the fundamental structures of biomolecules and the interaction forces among them.

Research:

Elements technology is based on the microelectronic design of custom microchips (ASICs) using standard and low-cost CMOS processes. Microchips are specifically designed by Elements microelectronics engineers' team. The developed technology allows the company to produce miniaturized devices that can acquire and analyse very low ion currents and can be applied in the nanopore field. For our next project within the DYNAMO consortium, we will focus on an integrated microelectronics/photonics system for electro-optical recording.

Objectives:

The aim of this project will be to design the nanopore system in order to obtain a high signal-to-noise ratio in electro-optical measurements. Solid- state nanopore arrays will be connected to the multichannel amplifiers (16ch) developed by the JR in Elements. Tests on the nanopore current readout combined to the optical readout will be done on samples prepared in collaboration with IIT. The JR will work to optimize the measurement controls and parameters to maximize the signal-to-noise ratio to improve the readout reliability. The design of the new microelectronics for nanopore current readout and optical readout will be done using suitable EDA tools. Chip prototyping using CMOS-MEMS and mixed signal process will be fabricated at suitable foundries using the MPW scheduling. Chip assembly into proper packaging able to host microelectronics, optoelectronics and microfluidic will be developed. Electronics board with PC data interface to host the new chips will be developed to realize the physical platform for experimental test.

Expected Results:

Integrated device able to host nanopore chips for single molecule electro- optical measurements. The multiplexed reading from several nanopores in the same chip can be hard to achieve. As a contingency plan parallel electro- optical detection from multiple single pore chips will be implemented.

Planned secondments:

To become familiar with nanopore fabrication and integration, the JR will visit IIT for 2 months and the University of Cambridge for 2 months during the first year. To become familiar with optical spectroscopies, the JR will visit the Technical University of Delft for 3 months during the second year.

Required qualifications – Eligibility:

To apply for a PhD fellowship, candidates must hold an internationally- recognized Master-equivalent degree in electronic engineering. Experience in microelectronic design and tools, studies in electronic optical device and measurements will be highly appreciated. No restrictions of citizenship apply to the PhD fellowship.

Terms of employment – PhD fellowship:

The position is intended as full-time (40 hrs / week, 12 months / year) appointment under elements contract. The fellowship is offered for a period up to three years. The place of work is elements headquarter in Cesena, Viale Europa 596, Italy. The selected PhD student will work under close supervision of Marco Bennati and Michele Biondi and benefit from direct mentorship. He/She will also benefit from several symposia and courses specially developed for them within the DYNAMO network (6 weeks planned over the duration of the PhD program). A PhD degree from the University of Milano - Bicocca will be granted after successful completion of the PhD research. The employment is to start as soon as possible and on February 1st 2023 at the latest.

Application procedure:

Suitable candidates are requested to submit:

Curriculum Vitae

Presentation letter with declaration of interests and a description of your past

Achievements (max. 1 page)

Contact email of two potential references

Scanned copy of your university academic transcripts in English

Scanned copy of the Master degree, if available at the time of application

Scanned copy of standardized English test results (TOEFL, TOEIC,...) if available

Applications should be submitted by email to [email protected]

Contact Information

Organisation/Company: Elements srl

Organisation Type: Small Medium Enterprise, Start-up

Website: https: // elements-ic.com/

E-Mail: [email protected]

Country: Italy

City: Cesena

State/Province: FC

Postal Code: 47521

Street: Viale Europa 596