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Lipid Membrane-Based Synthetic Neurons for Neuromorphic Sensing
PhD - Leuven | Just now
Bridging biology and microelectronics to create the next generation of neuromorphic sensors.
Neurons are remarkable information-processing units. They continuously maintain a difference in ion concentration across their membrane, allowing them to store energy, detect a stimulus, generate a rapid electrical spike and then reset for the next signal. This combination of sensitivity, speed and efficient, event-driven operation enables the nervous system to process information in ways that conventional electronic sensors still struggle to reproduce.
In this PhD, you will explore whether these essential functions can be recreated in an artificial, non-living system. Instead of copying the full complexity of a biological neuron, you will build a simplified cell mimic from engineered lipid membranes, functional molecular components and microfabricated devices. This approach will let you investigate which ingredients are truly necessary to create neuron-like electrical behaviour.
The central question is simple but ambitious: can we create a synthetic system that stores energy in the form of an ionic gradient, releases that energy as a measurable electrical spike when it encounters a selected chemical or physical trigger, and then recovers so it can fire again? Achieving this will require carefully controlling how ions move through membranes and microscopic compartments, as well as how the device converts this movement into an electrical signal.
You will combine membrane experiments, microfabrication, electrical measurements and modelling to build and study these devices. By varying their materials and geometry, you will determine what controls spike timing, strength and repeatability. Working across biology, physics, chemistry and semiconductor technology, you will develop both experimental and modelling skills. The resulting design principles could support future adaptive sensors, bio-inspired electronics and neuromorphic systems.
What you will do
- You will develop a deep understanding of ion channel dynamics at the interface of biology and semiconductor devices.
- You will use state-of-the-art microfabrication and characterization techniques to design and create lipid-bilayer compatible microcavities with integrated electrodes and microfluidics.
- You will use a variety of sensing techniques, ranging from single-molecule electrophysiology to confocal fluorescence microscopy to experimentally characterize device behaviour.
- You will develop and deploy theoretical and computational models of nanoscale ionic transport processes.
Who you are
- You hold a Master's degree in bioengineering, physics, nanotechnology, materials science, biomedical engineering, biophysics, or a related field.
- You are fascinated by how biological principles can inspire new technologies at the interface of molecules, materials, and electronics.
- You enjoy experimental research and are motivated to design, build, and characterize novel devices and systems in the laboratory.
- You are eager to work across disciplines, combining concepts from biology, chemistry, physics, and engineering to solve challenging scientific problems.
- You are a proactive and curious researcher with strong analytical skills and an enthusiasm for developing both experimental and computational approaches.
Required background: Bioengineering, Physics, Nanotechnology, Materials Science, Biophysics, Biomedical Engineering or related discipline
Type of work: 60% experiments, 30% modelling/simulation, 10% literature
Supervisor: Pol Van Dorpe (KU Leuven)
Co-supervisor: Pol Van Dorpe (KU Leuven)
Daily advisor: Kherim Willems
The reference code for this position is 2027-060. Mention this reference code in your application.