PhD positions: Advanced optics and nanofabrication for biosensing

This project combines advanced optical and nanofabrication techniques to develop a fast, cost-effective, highly sensitive biosensing device. The device will be applied for microbial contamination detection.  Microbial contaminations are a major threat to public health, safety, and economic stability on a global scale. They result in several diseases and health conditions, ranging from foodborne illnesses to hospital-acquired infections and contamination of consumer products, which severely impact public health and safety. This project addresses the major challenges facing microbial contamination detection using two complementary approaches: advanced optics and nanofabrication. Two PhD positions are available for each of these approaches.

PhD position 1 : The candidate will develop optical techniques to improve the sensitivity by detecting very low emission intensity from microbial contamination. Optical techniques that drastically reject background light and efficiently collect the emitted light will be valuable in enhancing the sensitivity. Experience with experimental optics, optical design, and instrumentation are crucial for this project.

PhD position 2 : Using state-of-the-art nanofabrication equipment at the Nanolab, MESA+ institute, the candidate will fabricate nanophotonic and plasmonic structures that efficiently enhance optical fields. The nanostructures will boost the sensitivity of microbial detection, by enhancing light emission from microbial contamination. The candidate will combine nanolithography techniques with self-assembly nanofabrication to realize these structures. Furthermore, spectroscopic experiments will be performed to evaluate the efficacy of the fabricated structures. An experience in nanofabrication is an added advantage for this project.

The two PhDs will work with a postdoc and collaborate in a consortium with academic partners from Saxion University of Applied Sciences and industrial partners. This project is funded by the NWO NXTGen High-Tech equipment, which aims to develop a new generation of high-tech equipment focused on sustainability, digitalisation, health and technology sovereignty.

Please submit your application before 1 May 2025 using the ‘Apply now’ button. Your application should include the following:

• your CV
• a one-page motivation letter
• bachelor and master education transcripts
• theses
• contact details of two references that you have worked with

Please indicate which of the PhD positions above you are interested in. For more information, please feel free to contact dr. Femi Ojambati (o.s.ojambati@utwente.nl).

The Faculty of Science & Technology (Technische Natuurwetenschappen, TNW) engages some 700 staff members and 2000 students in education and research on the cutting edge of chemical technology, applied physics and biomedical technology. Our fields of application include sustainable energy, process technology and materials science, nanotechnology and technical medicine. As part of a people-first tech university that aims to shape society, individuals and connections, our faculty works together intensively with industrial partners and researchers in the Netherlands and abroad, and conducts extensive research for external commissioning parties and funders. Our research has a high profile both in the Netherlands and internationally and is strengthened by the many young researchers working on innovative projects with as doctoral candidates and post-docs. It has been accommodated in three multidisciplinary UT research institutes: Mesa+ Institute, TechMed Centre and Digital Society Institute.