PostDoc position: Biosensors for occupational health

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PostDoc position: Biosensors for occupational health

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Job description

Offer DescriptionFirefighters are exposed to occupational health risks and one of them are polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon molecules (PAHs) released during fires. PAHs enter the human body not only along the lung but also through the skin and they are known as risk factors for developing cancer at a later age. To assess whether uptake of PAHs has taken place, we will develop a biosensor system that can detect characteristic PAH metabolites in the urine. The sensor will be designed for facile and low-cost, routine measurements and the results will aid occupational physicians in following up their patients. The project is multi-faceted and the overall idea is to come up with a sensor-system solution that has a very high technological readiness level, ideally for serial production.The responsibilities of the postdoctoral researcher include, but are not limited to, the following aspects:

• Design and implementation of the sensor instrument, including wireless data transmission.
• Development and fabrication of microstructured electrode arrays by cleanroom techniques.
• Functionalization of the microelectrodes with molecularly imprinted polymer layers for selective recognition of PAH metabolites.
• Optimization of the electrochemical sensing parameters using voltammetry or impedance spectroscopy.
• Calibrating the sensor system with concentration series of different PAH metabolites in synthetic urine.
• Taking the technical lead during the field studies with volunteering firefighters.

Where to apply WebsiteRequirementsResearch Field Engineering Education Level PhD or equivalentResearch Field Neurosciences Education Level PhD or equivalentResearch Field Physics Education Level PhD or equivalentLanguages ENGLISH Level ExcellentAdditional InformationBenefits

• A full-time contract for a period of 2 years (24 months) with a generous benefits package.
• Working in an interdisciplinary and international, result-oriented team.
• Becoming a specialist in using state-of the art cleanroom technology and in labelfree bioanalytical sensors.
• Taking a leap forward towards a better preventive health care for occupational diseases.
• Participating actively in national and international conferences and publishing in high ranked scientific journals.

Eligibility criteriaThe project is interdisciplinary and suitable candidates hold a Ph.D. in one of the following disciplines:

• Experimental physics, including applied physics and biophysics.
• Engineering, including electroctechnical engineering, industrial engineering, chemical engineering, and bio-engineering.
• Analytical, organic, or physical chemistry.
• Nanoscience or microtechnology.

Candidates should have a solid interest in health sciences in combination with a good knowledge in electronics, programming, and microfabrication. Skills in biochemistry and organic chemistry are an asset.
If you are interested in the project and your Ph.D. diploma is not included in the list above, please contact Patrick Wagner.Selection processFor more information please contact Prof. dr. Patrick Wagner, tel.: +32 16 32 21 79, mail: .
You can apply for this job no later than 09/09/2024 via theWork Location(s)Number of offers available 1 Company/Institute KU Leuven Country Belgium State/Province Vlaams Brabant City Leuven Postal Code 3000 Street Leuven GeofieldContact State/ProvinceLeuven CityVlaams Brabant StreetLeuven Postal Code3000 E-Mailpatrickhermann.wagner@kuleuven.beSTATUS: EXPIREDShare this page

Expected salary

Location

Louvain, Brabant Flamand

Job date

Mon, 26 Aug 2024 01:17:28 GMT

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