PhD position on CRISPR diagnostics on-chip for early cancer detection

Previously, we have presented an in vitro diagnostic tool for methylation quantification and identification in synthetic DNA by combining Cas12a and methylation-sensitive restriction enzymes (MSREs). However, this technique poses one significant limitation in its current form: its relatively high limit of detection. With recent advances in point-of-care DNA extraction, ultra-fast enzymes, and the relatively fast CRISPR/Cas12a-based fluorescence detection (about 15 min - 1 hour depending on the input concentration), we believe we can overcome the detection limitations by integrating the CRISPR assay into a microfluidic chip. The development of this microfluidic device and a corresponding read-out method is the aim of this challenging PhD project.

This PhD project is part of the NXTGEN Hightech growth fund, and therefore you will work in close collaboration with Amsterdam UMC, Wageningen University and companies related to this project.

Your profile

You are an enthusiastic and highly motivated researcher, who is not afraid to work in an interdisciplinary team.

You have, or will shortly, acquire a master degree in the field of Biomedical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Nanotechnology, Applied Physics or a related field.

You have a creative mindset and excellent analytical and communication skills.

You have a good team spirit.

You are proficient in English.

Our offer

As a PhD student at UT, you will be appointed to a full-time position for four years, with a qualifier in the first year, within a very stimulating and exciting scientific environment;

The University offers a dynamic ecosystem with enthusiastic colleagues;

Your salary and associated conditions are in accordance with the collective labour agreement for Dutch universities (CAO-NU);

You will receive a gross monthly salary ranging from € 2.541,- (first year) to € 3.247,- (fourth year);

There are excellent benefits including a holiday allowance of 8% of the gross annual salary, an end-of-year bonus of 8.3%, and a solid pension scheme;

A family-friendly institution that offers parental leave (both paid and unpaid);

You will have a training programme as part of the Twente Graduate School where you and your supervisors will determine a plan for a suitable education and supervision;

We encourage a high degree of responsibility and independence, while collaborating with close colleagues, researchers and other staff.

Information and application

Are you interested in this position? Please send your application via the 'Apply now' button below before 15 April 2023 , and include:

A detailed CV

A motivation letter

Contact details of referees

For more information regarding this position, you are welcome to contact (Loes Segerink, [email protected])

About the department

At BIOS, lab on a Chip group we aim to bridge physics, biology and chemistry with the power of Lab on a chip technology. As such we are an interdisciplinary group, part of the MESA+ Institute for Nanotechnology and Technical Medical Centre.

About the organisation

The faculty of Electrical Engineering, Mathematics and Computer Science (EEMCS) uses mathematics, electronics and computer technology to contribute to the development of Information and Communication Technology (ICT). With ICT present in almost every device and product we use nowadays, we embrace our role as contributors to a broad range of societal activities and as pioneers of tomorrow's digital society. As part of a people-first tech university that aims to shape society, individuals and connections, our faculty works together intensively with industrial partners and researchers in the Netherlands and abroad, and conducts extensive research for external commissioning parties and funders. Our research has a high profile both in the Netherlands and internationally. It has been accommodated in three multidisciplinary UT research institutes: Mesa+ Institute, TechMed Centre and Digital Society Institute.

Want to know more? Segerink, L.I. (Loes)

Full Professor

Segerink, L.I. (Loes)

Full Professor

Do you have questions about this vacancy? Then you can contact Loes for all substantive questions about this position and the application procedure. For general questions about working for the UT, please refer to the chatbot.

Contact

Phone:+31534894541

Email:[email protected]

How to apply Step 1

Apply. When you see a vacancy that appeals to you, you can apply online. We ask you to upload a CV and motivation letter and/or list of publications. You will receive a confirmation of receipt by e-mail.

Step 2

Selection. The selection committee will review your application and you will receive a response within 2 weeks after the vacancy has been closed.

Step 3

1st interview. The 1st (online or in person) meeting serves as an introduction where we introduce ourselves to you and you to us. You may be asked to give a short presentation. This will be further explained in the invitation.

Step 4

2nd interview. In the second interview, we will further discuss the job content, your skills and your talents.

Step 5

The offer. If the conversations are positive, you will be made a suitable offer.

Your Colleagues

Dongen, J.E. van (Nienke)

Personal page

Berendsen, J.T.W. (Jorien)

Personal page

Segerink, L.I. (Loes)

Personal page

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Our mission We are a university of technology

Our university is a public institution that serves society. We are accountable to society for the ways in which we use our academic freedom. We are responsible for ensuring that the power of science and technology is harnessed to achieve the best possible impact in a changing world. We cherish our rich tradition of combining technical and social sciences in our five profiling themes: Improving healthcare by personalized technologies; Creating intelligent manufacturing systems; Shaping our world with smart materials; Engineering our digital society; and Engineering for a resilient world.

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