CMOS-integrated 2D-fluidics for high-throughput single-biomolecule transport and sensing
PhD - Leuven | Just now
What you will do
This PhD project aims to establish a novel platform for high-throughput and high-precision single-molecule analysis by integrating two-dimensional (2D) fluidic surfaces with advanced biosensor arrays. While single-molecule sensing technologies such as nanopores and nanoelectrodes have demonstrated remarkable sensitivity, their broader applicability is constrained by inefficient transport and spatial organization of biomolecules across large-scale sensor networks. By leveraging the unique physical and chemical properties of 2D materials, this research seeks to enable controlled confinement and rapid, directed transport of biomolecules along nanopatterned surfaces. The envisioned integration of 2D fluidics with CMOS-compatible sensing architectures will unlock scalable, parallelized single-molecule analysis, addressing critical needs in genomics, proteomics, and synthetic biology. You will contribute to this effort within a highly interdisciplinary research environment, combining expertise in physics, chemistry, biology, and nanofabrication to advance next-generation lab-on-a-chip technologies.
Your main responsibilities include, but are not limited to:
- Understanding the adsorption and diffusion dynamics of various biomolecules in physiological buffers, on diverse types of 2D materials such as 2D crystals, self-assembled monolayers, supported lipid bilayers, and hydrogels.
- Refining fluorescence-based optical inspection techniques to detect the presence and activity of individual biomolecules bound onto 2D materials with high sensitivity and reliability.
- Developing and optimizing wafer-scale nanopatterning techniques to achieve nanofluidic channels made of diverse 2D materials.
- Designing and demonstrating physical driving mechanisms such as hydrodynamic drag, electric field, acoustic wave, etc., for efficient transport of biomolecules on 2D material channels.
- Building lab-on-a-chip systems based on 2D-fluidics to investigate the effects of 2D confinement and diffusion on biomolecular activities and interactions.
- Exploring integration of 2D-fluidics with existing biosensor platforms (e.g., nanopores, bioFETs) to enhance sensing throughput and efficiency.
Relevant papers:
- Diffusion of DNA on Atomically Flat 2D Material Surfaces (https://pubs.acs.org/doi/10.1021/acsnano.4c16277)
- A novel high-throughput single-molecule technique DNA curtain: Applications for DNA metabolism (https://doi.org/10.1016/j.mocell.2025.100224)
Who you are
You are a highly creative and motivated PhD candidate with a passion for interdisciplinary research and innovation. You are driven to push boundaries and deliver state-of-the-art results in nanoscale biosensing and molecular engineering. Ideally, you bring the following qualifications and skills:
- A Master’s degree (or expected soon) in (Bio)chemistry, (Bio)physics, (Bio)nano-science/technology, Materials engineering, or a related field.
- Strong hands-on experience in laboratory-based experiments and a proactive approach to problem-solving.
- Excellent analytical skills to interpret complex and high-volume experimental data with clarity and precision.
- The ability to work independently while contributing effectively to a collaborative, interdisciplinary team.
- Fluency in English, with strong communication skills for regular reporting and documentation.
- Proficiency in programming environments such as Python or MATLAB.
- Strong organizational skills, with the ability to manage time and multitask across diverse research activities.
Required background: (Bio)physics, (Bio)chemistry, (Bio)nano-science/technology, Materials engineering, or a related field
Type of work: 80% experimental; 20% data analysis, simulation, literature
Supervisor: Pol Van Dorpe
Co-supervisor: Tim Stakenborg
Daily advisor: Seungkyu Ha, Karolien Jans
The reference code for this position is 2026-100. Mention this reference code on your application form.