Low-Noise Voltage Readout for CNTFET Biosensor Arrays

Imec is a world-leading R&D hub in nanoelectronics and digital technologies, with extensive expertise in advanced semiconductor process technologies, biosensor development, and integrated circuit design. In particular, imec has pioneered fabrication techniques for high-performance carbon nanotube field-effect transistors (CNTFETs), offering a unique platform for highly sensitive, label-free biosensing. CNTFET biosensors are promising for next-generation diagnostic devices due to their molecular-scale sensitivity and compatibility with scalable fabrication. imec’s capabilities in nanofabrication, CMOS-compatible integration, and bio-functionalization provide an exceptional environment to explore the co-design of sensor devices and electronic interfaces.

While CNTFETs demonstrate outstanding intrinsic sensitivity to biomolecular interactions, the practical deployment of CNTFET sensor arrays requires specialized miniaturized readout electronics capable of accurately capturing small threshold voltage shifts under liquid operation. Conventional readout architectures designed for silicon-based sensors are insufficient due to the large device variability, and susceptibility to drift and noise inherent to CNTFETs. A dedicated readout ASIC is required to provide stable biasing, low-noise voltage sensing, and multiplexed acquisition across dense arrays, while maintaining compatibility with microfluidic packaging.

We are seeking a motivated PhD candidate with a strong background in analog and mixed-signal circuit design, device physics, and sensor interfaces, eager to bridge nanoelectronics and bioelectronics. The research will involve:

1. Developing circuit architectures for low-noise voltage-readout of CNTFET arrays.
2. Modeling the interaction between electrochemical sensor physics and circuit-level performance metrics.
3. Prototyping and testing an ASIC using imec’s advanced design and test infrastructure.
4. Experimentally validating the ASIC with imec-fabricated CNTFET arrays and representative bioassays.
   
   The outcome of this PhD will be a validated, scalable, and power-efficient readout ASIC platform for CNTFET biosensors, providing the foundation for future high-density, multiplexed bioelectronic systems for diagnostics and health monitoring.

Skills and background:

• Master’s degree (or equivalent) in Electrical Engineering, Microelectronics, Biomedical Engineering, Applied Physics, or a related field.
• Solid knowledge of analog and mixed-signal integrated circuit design
• Experience with IC design and simulation tools (Cadence Virtuoso, Spectre, etc.); MATLAB/Python for modeling.
• Familiarity with low-noise circuit techniques
• Basic understanding of semiconductor devices; prior exposure to FET physics or emerging devices is a plus.
• Experience with bench evaluation and PCB design.