This interdisciplinary project will be carried out at the Micro- and Nanosystems Division of the Department of Electrical Engineering (ESAT) at KU Leuven in close collaboration with the Chemistry of Surfaces, Interfaces, and Nanomaterials (Nanoscale Research Group) at Université Libre de Bruxelles (ULB). The student will benefit from the complementary expertise of two supervisors, gaining access to a diverse range of knowledge and techniques. The position will leverage the advanced capabilities and experimental facilities of Prof. Ustarroz (scanning electrochemical cell microscopy and materials characterization) and Prof. Taurino (electrochemical bioresorbable sensors).
KU Leuven, established in 1425, ranks number 42 on the Times Higher Education list. Moreover, according to the Reuters ranking, it is the seventh most innovative university worldwide (after 6 American universities, number one in Europe).
Project
Bioresorbable devices are highly desirable for a range of medical applications, as they help avoid complications associated with permanent implants and reduce the costs and risks of repeated surgical interventions. Various types of such sensors have been developed to monitor parameters like body temperature, blood pressure, and brain electrical activity. In these systems, functionality is typically achieved by encapsulating active components within a protective material, allowing for controlled and predictable disintegration.
However, in electrochemical implants, the functional electrodes must remain exposed to biofluids to enable the detection mechanism. This requirement presents challenges in achieving both a reliable sensing response and programmable degradation across different components of the platform. Efforts to develop fully bioresorbable electrochemical sensors with on-demand dissolution have so far been absent.
This PhD project aims to address the key limitations of current bioresorbable electrochemical sensors. It introduces innovative materials and cleanroom-compatible fabrication processes to realize a dual-function electrochemical sensor that is fully, safely, and programmably bioresorbable. The platform will be designed to monitor pH and oxygen levels over an operational lifetime of several weeks. To demonstrate implant functionality, the electrochemical interface - including both sensing and dissolution behavior - will be validated using an in vitro model of cell hypoxia.
Profile
Our team is recruiting an highly motivated PhD candidate, who has a strong interest in sensor development for biomedical applications, chemistry and material science. We are looking for a PhD student with the following requirements
- You hold a master’s degree in engineering, bioscience engineering or equivalent and graduated with distinction.
- You are a team-player with a critical mind, work accurately and have a profound interest in electrochemistry, material characterization, microfabrication and biomedical sensors.
- You have good interpersonal skills and motivation to work in a multidisciplinary research team.
- You are able to work independently, pay attention to experimental accuracy and precision with new concepts in a creative and critical way.
- You have good communication skills to report results (written and oral).
- You are very fluent in English, both spoken and written.
Previous experience as a research assistant or industrial expertise in a specific domain of the position is a plus.
You are willing to write a PhD fellowship proposal for national funding.
We are looking for enthusiastic PhD candidates who shows a proactive attitude towards research in developing original sensing concepts.
Offer
We offer a full-time position for 1 year (prolonged to four years upon positive evaluation). Our young and dynamic team will support you to successfully obtain a PhD degree via a proper scientific training at top-ranked universities. You will have an advanced training in material sciences, chemistry, electrical engineering, sensor development and applications in medicine. You will participate in a larger multidisciplinary project, and receive supervision of two PIs. You will have opportunities to participate at national and international meetings/conferences, and establish your own network. You are also strongly encouraged to follow extra-curricular courses provided by the Arenberg Doctoral School in support of your broader (non-)academic training.
https://www.kuleuven.be/personeel/jobsite/en/phd/phd-information
Interested?
You can apply for this job no later than July 27th 2025 via the online application tool by providing the following documents
1. A CV mentioning three reference people
2. Motivation letter
3. Complete transcripts of Bachelor and Master Degree
4. Any certificate proving your proficiency in English
Meer informatie is te verkrijgen bij prof. dr. Irene Taurino, tel.: +3216320166, mail: [email protected] of prof. dr. ing. Jon Ustarroz, tel.: +3226505725, mail: [email protected]
KU Leuven strives for an inclusive, respectful and socially safe environment. We embrace diversity among individuals and groups as an asset. Open dialogue and differences in perspective are essential for an ambitious research and educational environment. In our commitment to equal opportunity, we recognize the consequences of historical inequalities. We do not accept any form of discrimination based on, but not limited to, gender identity and expression, sexual orientation, age, ethnic or national background, skin colour, religious and philosophical diversity, neurodivergence, employment disability, health, or socioeconomic status. For questions about accessibility or support offered, we are happy to assist you at this email address.
