A position exists, for a Research Assistant/Associate in the Department of Engineering, to work on Digital Microfluidics and Point of Care Diagnostics.
The post holder will be located in West Cambridge, Electrical Engineering Building, Cambridge Graphene Centre, 9 JJ Thomson Avenue, Cambridge CB3 0FA Cambridgeshire, UK.
The key responsibilities and duties are to advance the development of digital microfluidics (DMF) technology, develop, characterise and optimise a robust, high-performing system that can be widely used in various cutting-edge applications using lab-on-a-chip technology including point of care diagnostics, cell analysis and drug discovery. The DMF field has seen significant advancements in recent years, with electrowetting-on-dielectric (EWOD) emerging as a popular platform for liquid sample handling. EWOD is particularly useful in miniaturising bio-laboratory processes, and has the potential to form the basis for a true lab-on-a-chip. The basic principle behind EWOD is that by applying a potential to a conductive electrode, the wettability of the corresponding solid-liquid interface can be manipulated. By feeding sequenced voltage signals from peripheral circuits to an electrode array, a DMF system can enable complex modulation of droplets.
The objective of this research is to investigate a thin-film-transistor based active-matrix EWOD technology in state-of-the-art DMF systems to achieve precise and stable control over droplet manipulation, such as merging, splitting, and transporting droplets to specific locations, along with the ability to handle high numbers of droplets efficiently through sensing and control algorithms, and its application in automated sample preparation for point of care testing (POCT) and lab-on-chip applications.
Applicants must have (or be close to obtaining) a PhD in Engineering, Physics, Material Science, (Bio)Chemistry or Nanotechnology with skills relevant to the post acquired through education and/or work experience.
Background knowledge and proven track record in thin-film transistor technology, biosensors, biomedical device development, micro and nanofabrication. A solid understanding of electronic device design and modelling, simulation, characterisation methods, microfabrication, and the fundamental engineering principles of microfluidics is required. The candidate will also have the ability continually update knowledge in the specialist area and engage in continuous professional development; have experience of managing own workload, communicating in scientific and research environments.
Preference will be given to candidates having contributed significant knowledge in point of care diagnostic devices, automatic control systems and manufacturing processes. Expertise should be demonstrated through a strong publication record in major international journals, or an equivalent track record of patents or other research outputs.
Appointment at Research Associate level is dependent on having a PhD. Those who have submitted but not yet received their PhD will be appointed at Research Assistant level, which will be amended to Research Associate once the PhD has been awarded.
Salary Ranges: *Research Assistant: £29,605 - £33,966 *Research Associate: £36,024 - £44,263
Fixed-term: The funds for this post are available for 24 months in the first instance.
Click the 'Apply' button below to register an account with our recruitment system (if you have not already) and apply online.
Please ensure that you upload your Curriculum Vitae (CV) and a covering letter in the Upload section of the online application. If you upload any additional documents which have not been requested, we will not be able to consider these as part of your application. Please submit your application by midnight on the closing date.
If you have any questions about this vacancy or the application process, please contact: Dr Luigi G. Occhipinti email: lgo23@cam.ac.uk (Tel +44 1223 748389).
Please quote reference NM39296 on your application and in any correspondence about this vacancy.
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