Student project: Two-dimensional biomolecule confinement and transport for advanced biosensing & biosynthesis

This project aims to establish a novel platform for high-throughput and high-precision single-biomolecule analysis by integrating two-dimensional (2D) fluidic surfaces with advanced biosensor arrays. While single-molecule sensing technologies such as nanopores and nanoelectrodes have demonstrated remarkable sensitivity, their broader applicability is constrained by inefficient transport and spatial organization of biomolecules across large-scale sensor networks. By leveraging the 2D confinement of biomolecules on diverse materials, this research seeks to enable controlled confinement and rapid, directed transport of biomolecules along nanopatterned surfaces. The envisioned integration of 2D fluidics with CMOS-compatible sensing architectures will unlock scalable, parallelized single-molecule analysis, addressing critical needs in genomics, proteomics, and synthetic biology. You will contribute to this effort within a highly interdisciplinary and international research environment.

What you will do

• Understanding the adsorption and diffusion dynamics of various biomolecules in physiological buffers, on diverse types of materials such as 2D crystals, self-assembled monolayers, supported lipid bilayers, and hydrogels.
• Refining fluorescence-based optical inspection techniques to detect the presence and activity of individual biomolecules with 2D confinement at high sensitivity and reliability.
• Developing and optimizing patterning techniques to achieve fluidic channels made of diverse materials that allow for 2D-confined transport of biomolecules.

Who you are

• Background on (Bio)chemistry, (Bio)physics, (Bio)nano-science/technology, or a related field.
• Proactive approach to problem-solving.
• Hands-on experience in laboratory-based experiments.
• Analytical skills to interpret complex experimental data with clarity and precision.
• Ability to work independently while contributing to the interdisciplinary team.
• Fluency in English for regular meetings, reporting, and documentation.
• Strong organizational and time management skills.

Type of Project:  Internship

Duration: Feb 2026 - June 2026

Master's degree:  Master of Bioengineering; Master of Engineering Science; Master of Science

Master program:  Chemistry/Chemical Engineering; Electromechanical engineering; Materials Engineering; Nanoscience & Nanotechnology; Physics; Bioscience Engineering; Mechanical Engineering

For more information or application, please contact the supervising scientists Seungkyu Ha (seungkyu.ha@imec.be) and Karolien Jans (karolien.jans@imec.be).

Only for self-supporting students.