Nanofluidic devices for single bioparticle manipulation and isolation

The selected student’s role is develop nanofluidic devices employing hydrodynamic, electrokinetic, and/or chemical-based approaches to manipulate and isolate bioparticles based on key metrics (such as particle size, surface charge, and dielectric properties) for later downstream analysis. A significant focus will lie on numerical analysis to understand which physical mechanisms can be exploited to manipulate relevant bioparticles with improved control and precision. To this end, multiphysics simulations utilizing continuum-based computational techniques for solving coupled Poisson-Nernst-Planck and Navier-Stokes problems as well as coarse-grained molecular dynamics simulations will be explored. The student will design devices to be produced using imec’s advanced, state-of-the-art nanofabrication facilities. The student will experimentally test the fabricated devices, utilizing optical microscopy and electrical-based characterization techniques to characterize the device performance.

Prospective candidates should have strong analytical skills and preferably, prior knowledge in applying numerical methods to fields such as fluid mechanics, solid-state physics, electrochemistry and/or electrophysiology. At imec, the selected candidate will work in a dynamic, multi-disciplinary team and gain expertise in the development of nanotechnology-based devices for life science applications.