Postdoctoral Position at EPFL: Nanophotonic Biosensors and Bioimaging for Cancer Research

EPFL

Deadline: As soon as possible

Your mission :

The BIOnanophotonic Systems (BIOS) laboratory at EPFL Switzerland (headed by Prof. Hatice Altug) is looking for a talented & motivated postdoctoral researcher to work on the development of cutting-edge nanophotonic biosensors and bioimaging platforms for cancer research and diagnostic applications.

Main duties and responsibilities include :
In a well-established laboratory, the postdoctoral researcher will explore to introduce new biosensing and imaging systems. Some of the anticipated tasks include :

Preparing a research plan.
Designing and nanofabricating optimized nanophotonic chips.
Reconfiguring optical imaging set-ups and point-of-care devices through incorporation of novel microscopy and spectroscopy concepts.
Microfluidics integration.
Optimizing bioassays.
Handling biological samples.
Performing optical/biological experiments.
Data analysis.
Reporting and disseminating research outcome.

The project will involve collaboration with the University of Lausanne (Department of Immunobiology), the Lausanne Hospital and the AGORA Cancer Research Center.

Your profile :

The successful candidate is expected to hold a PhD degree in Photonics, Electrical Engineering, Bioengineering, Biophysics or a closely related discipline with outstanding academic record indicated by publications in peer-reviewed scientific journals and international conferences. In addition, the following qualifications are desired:

Extensive experimental experience on optical biosensors, preferably with nanophotonics.
Hands-on experience in reconfiguring optical imaging set-ups with microscopy, spectroscopy, and performing optical characterization.
Hands-on experience with microfluidics.
Experience in surface functionalization chemistry and bioassay development.
Experience with biological sample handling and characterization.
Experience in cleanroom with nano/microfabrication techniques.
Experience in programming user interfaces for devices/instrumentation, optical set-up automation, data extraction (e.g., Python, Matlab, LabVIEW).
Experience in data analysis using signal processing tools (also AI, DNN).
Fluent in English (both written and spoken) and excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
Independent, self-driven, creative, solution-oriented, open-minded, flexible and team-player.

We offer :

Opportunity to work on multidisciplinary and cutting-edge projects using nanophotonic biosensors, bioimaging, spectroscopy and lab-on-a-chip systems for bioanalytical and biomedical applications.
Opportunity to access state-of-the-art research facilities and laboratory resources.
Opportunity to collaborate with world-leading cancer researchers and medical doctors through a multidisciplinary consortium funded by Swiss National Science Foundation Sinergia grant.
EPFL is an international and top ranking engineering university. It offers a dynamic, stimulating, interdisciplinary, international and friendly working environment, a broad range of scientific training and networking events and also hosts a vibrant entrepreneurial community.
EPFL is an equal-opportunity employer. Candidates will be recruited based on merit.

Keywords:
Nanophotonics, optical nanobiosensors and bioimaging systems, lab-on-a-chip systems, microarrays, microfluidics, biological samples, diagnostics, cancer research.

Group website:
https://www.epfl.ch/labs/bios/ – Group leader: Prof. Hatice ALTUG

Representative papers from BIOS:

1- Real-time monitoring of single-cell secretion with a high-throughput nanoplasmonic microarray. Liu et al. Biosensors and Bioelectronics, 113955 (2022).

2- Imaging-based spectrometer-less optofluidic biosensors based on dielectric metasurfaces for detecting extracellular vesicles. Jahani et al. Nature Communications. Vol. 12, No.3246 (2021).

3- Rapid and Digital Detection of Inflammatory Biomarkers Enabled by a Novel Portable Nanoplasmonic. Imager. Belushkin et al. Small. Vol. 16, No.1906108 (2020).
4- Advances and Applications of Nanohotonic Biosensors. Altug et al. Nature Nanotechnology. Vol. 17, p.5-16 (2022).

Start date :
As soon as possible

Term of employment :
Fixed-term (CDD)

Work rate :
100%

Duration :
Fixed term (2 years, renewable)

Contact :

Please send your application with the subject line « 2023 Postdoctoral Position» to bios@epfl.ch in a single pdf file containing following information: cover letter, CV, transcript, list of publications, and contact details of at least three referees.

Reference :
Job Nb 2742