Research Fellow

**Research Fellow - Biophysics for viral detection**:

- Employer- International Iberian Nanotechnology Laboratory (INL)- Location- Braga- Salary- Competitive- Closing date- 31 Mar 2024- Discipline
Physics
Job Type
Researcher
Employment - Hours
Full time
Duration
Fixed term
Qualification
PhD
Sector
Academia- You need to sign in or create an account to a job.

Research Fellow - Biophysics for viral detection

Job Reference: Ref.03.24.11
Employer: International Iberian Nanotechnology Laboratory (INL)
Location: Braga, Portugal
Group/Unit: Medical Devices
Number of Vacancies: 1
Employment Type: Full time
Contract Duration: 24 months

Open Date for Applications: March 7th, 2024
Closing Date for Applications: March, 31st, 2024, 23h00m (Lisbon Time)

Key words: #biophysics #microfluidics #softmatter #viruses #biomolecularinteractions #opticalmicroscopy

Overview

We are seeking a highly-motivated Postdoctoral Researcher to join our team tackling the development of novel sensor for automated broad spectrum detection of viral targets, under the project FLow detection of virUses by graphene Field Effect Transistor microarrays - FLUFET, funded by a grant from European Commission Pathfinder programme with reference number 101130125.

Zoonotic infectious diseases, i.e. diseases that transmit from animals to humans, are on the rise, and the potential for a new pandemic is more significant than ever. It is, therefore, imperative to develop advanced technologies capable of continuous monitoring to identify high-risk zones for pathogen transmission between animals and humans. This requirement is essential to mitigate the potential human, socio-political, and economic impact of pandemics. FLUFET consortium develops the first automated sensor capable of continuously detecting a broad spectrum of viral targets, including unknown viruses. The sensor combines technologies and knowledge from different fields, such as graphene field effect transistors (gFETs), microfluidics, virology, biophysics and engineering and is promising to identify infectious zoonotic threats before they can reach humans and trigger potential outbreaks, enabling continuous prevention of pandemics.

Job Duties

The job duties will be the following:
Design, optimise and fabricate microfluidic devices and flow-cells around graphene based FET sensors;Finite element modelling (e.g. COMSOL) to understand interactions between flows, viral particles and surfaces;Design and implement microfluidic systems with flow-controls;Perform chemical functionalisation of surfaces;Study and optimise interaction of particles, receptors and flows using optical microscopy approaches;Process data from sensors and microscopy images;Develop biophysical models and understanding of behaviours required to operate the sensors;Test, optimise and benchmark the sensor system performance with test particles, liposomes and model viruses;Participate in research planning and experimental design activities;Contribute to the group’s sustainability and core activities;Contribute to the dissemination of scientific results in high quality journals and by participating in national and international conferences;Contribute to preparing required reports and documentation.
Mandatory Qualifications

Education

PhD in Physics, Biophysics, Applied Physics, Soft-matter Physics, Bioengineering, Chemistry or other Physical or Engineering sciences, or related areas.

Technical Skills

Microfluidic devices and systems, their design and implementation;Biophysics and chemistry of protein-ligand interactions;Finite element modelling (e.g. COMSOL);Fluorescence microscopy;Chemical functionalisation and surface chemistry;Microfabrication;Data analysis (e.g. image and signal processing, noise, statistics etc.)

Preferred Experience and Technical skills

Experience with basic laboratory automation and programming (such as, Matlab, Python, Arduino) are highly advantageous;Knowledge and experience working with biological interfaces, membranes, biological micro
- and nanoparticles and viruses are highly valuable;Experience and knowledge on microfluidic instrumentation (e.g., flow controllers, pumps, valves) is a plus;Experience writing reports (e.g. for funding agencies) is valued;Skills to mentor younger students and communicate with collaborators with different backgrounds is advantageous.
Personal Skills

“Hands-on” approach together with a high commitment in respecting deadlines;Problem-solving capability;Ability to work independently and as team player in an international team;Organisational skills;Good verbal and written communication skills;Impeccable data management skills;Proficiency in English (spoken, written and reading comprehension).
Our Benefits

a) Cover letter;
b) Curriculum Vitae;
c) Academic and/or Professional diplomas;

How the Selection Process works

A. Applications eligibility check

B. CV Assessment

C. Interview(s)
The interview(s) may be done in different formats: video recordin