Student project: Electrochemical Biosensor Functionalization and Characterization

*Important for non-EU students: You'll need to be registered at a Dutch university to meet immigration requirements.

The goal of the student project is to develop an electrochemical based biosensor, particularly working on the functionalization of the sensor electrode. Moreover, the lab characterization of the developed sensor will be performed in this project.

What you will do

Imec is developing micro-fabricated sensors to monitor biologically relevant parameters such as dissolved oxygen, glucose, electrolytes and pH for inline monitoring in organ-on-chip and artificial organ applications. These sensors are fabricated on wafers with patterned electrode surfaces, typically using platinum and gold. To achieve selectivity, the electrodes must be functionalized with analyte-specific membranes (e.g. pHEMA, Ag/AgCl paste, ion selective membrane).

The membranes are dispensed using an automated dispenser, which must be optimized for sensor dimensions and membrane properties. Handling the dispenser is particularly challenging due to the small electrode size (typically ~200 µm in diameter). Once the membranes are deposited, the sensors are evaluated in solution using electrochemical techniques such as potentiometry, amperometry, and impedance spectroscopy. 

During this project you will:

• Conduct a literature study on electrochemical sensors based on potentiometry, amperometry, and impedance spectroscopy.
• Investigate the mechanical properties of membranes used for electrochemical sensor functionalization.
• Develop a protocol to optimize the automated dispenser for printing membranes such as ion selective membranes, Ag/AgCl paste and pHEMA.
• Evaluate the performance of functionalized electrodes using laboratory electrochemical setups.
• Document your results in a written report and present.

What we do for you

• You will be working on state-of-the-art sensor research, that is relevant for actual healthcare applications and scientifically challenging.
• You will be working in an inspiring high-tech environment at imec, located within the Holst Centre Eindhoven, and part of the larger imec organization, world-leading in R&D on nanotechnology and electronics.
• You will receive support from experienced researchers. We invite you to be part of our multi-disciplinary team, of researchers, engineers and innovators, and grant you the opportunity to contribute to our ambitious aim to have real impact on actual healthcare needs.

Who you are

• Excellent BSc/MSc student in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Applied Physics or equivalent
• Have European nationality or study at Dutch university
• Preferably with knowledge on electrochemistry
• Eager to take ownership for your student project
• Have a structured way of working
• Have good command of spoken and written English
• Available for 6 months or longer

Interested

Does this position sound like an interesting next step in your career at imec? Don’t hesitate to submit your application by clicking on ‘APPLY’.
Should you have more questions about the job, you can contact jobs@imec.nl.