Modeling and fabrication of microfluidic channels for optical biosensing devices
Master internship, PhD internship - Leuven | Just now
What you will do
Biomolecule sensing is fundamental to biological research and medical diagnostics, and particularly photonic biosensors integrated with microfluidics offer a promising route toward high-throughput detection and identification of biomolecules. Despite their potential, current platforms remain limited by challenges in sensitivity, scalability, and efficient analyte transport. In this internship, the student will investigate how biomolecule diffusion and mass transport are influenced by microfluidic channel design, sensing-area geometry, and site-selective surface functionalization. The work will combine computational modeling, device design, and experimental validation to optimize analyte delivery toward photonic sensing regions. Numerical simulations will be used to evaluate the effects of channel dimensions, flow conditions, surface properties, and sensor placement on detection performance, while microfluidic devices will be fabricated and characterized within imec’s research facilities. The internship offers hands-on experience in microfluidics, photonics, computational modeling, and biosensor engineering, contributing to the development of next-generation lab-on-a-chip diagnostic technologies.
Your main responsibilities:
- Modeling the adsorption and diffusion dynamics of biomolecules in microfluidic channels.
- Designing microfluidic channels based on the modeling results.
- Fabricating the designed microfluidic channels in cleanroom.
- Testing the fabricated devices in wet lab with fluorescence microscopy.
Relevant papers:
- On‑chip protein separation with single‑molecule resolution (https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-020-72463-z)
- 3D simulation of microfluidic biosensor for SARS-CoV-2 S protein binding kinetics using new reaction surface design (https://doi.org/10.1140/epjp/s13360-022-02470-8)
Who you are
You are a highly creative and motivated candidate with a passion for interdisciplinary research and innovation. You are driven to push boundaries and deliver state-of-the-art results. Ideally, you bring the following qualifications and skills:
- A solid foundation in physics, engineering, and programming, with an interest in bio-applications of nanotechnology.
- Motivation to perform modeling and hands-on experimental research, and learn relevant techniques and knowledge in microfluidics, nanofabrication, and biosensing.
- Good data-analysis skills and a systematic problem-solving approach.
- Ability to work both independently and collaboratively in an interdisciplinary environment, with good written and spoken English.
Type of internship: Master internship, PhD internship
Duration: 5-12 months
Required educational background: Mechanical Engineering, Materials Engineering, Physics
Supervising scientist(s): For further information or for application, please contact Seungkyu Ha (Seungkyu.Ha@imec.be)
The reference code for this position is 2026-INT-300. Mention this reference code in your application.
Only for self-supporting students.
Applications should include the following information:
- resume
- motivation
- current study
Incomplete applications will not be considered.