PIF2024 - Lab-on-CMOS microsystems for ultrasensitive electrochemical quantification of biomarkers (PID2023-148950OB-C21)

A PhD position (predoctoral contract) is offered in the framework of the SmaRDT research project (Development of rapid diagnostic tests based on a smart Lab-on-CMOS platform). The student will work under the supervision of Dr. Antoni Baldi and Dr. César Fernández-Sánchez of the Chemical Transducers Group at IMB-CNM and will follow a training plan to acquire advanced skills in the design and fabrication of micro and nano systems. This includes access to the IMB 1500 m2 clean room (https://www.imb-cnm.csic.es/en/micro-and-nanofabrication-clean-room/clean-room-virtual-tour), which is the largest laboratory for silicon chip fabrication in Spain. The thesis project main objective is the development of new methodologies and technologies that allow the implementation of ultrasensitive antigen tests for a better management of future pandemics or to diagnose diseases based on very low concentration biomarkers. The focus will be on the digital quantification of biomarkers such as proteins, DNA or RNA using microfluidics, nanomaterials, and arrays of electrochemical transducers fabricated with microelectronic technology. The student will receive support and collaboration from the supervisors and the group technical staff in order to cope with such multidisciplinary tasks, and he/she will also be stimulated to take initiative, to propose creative solutions and to self-organize the research work. The candidates should have (or foresee to have in the next months) a master’s degree.