Postdoctoral Researcher Switchable microfluidic MEMS for biosensing

What you will do

Microfluidics is a rapidly evolving technology that enables precise manipulation of small fluid quantities, from micro- down to picoliter. Although many functional elements have been successfully miniaturized and integrated in microfluidic chips, including electrical and optical sensors, the fluidic control still often relies on using external valves and pumps. These peripheral instruments are rather bulky and expensive, resulting in large dead volumes during operation, and -most importantly- they cannot be scaled to large numbers. Hence, to meet the increasing demand for more complex, miniaturized workflows that require multiplexing and parallelization, more integrated solutions are needed. In particular, for the integration of microvalves there is a need to enable integrated microfluidics and biosensing. By applying advanced MEMS/NEMS technologies compatible with state-of-the-art manufacturing processes, the aim is to build an integrated microfluidic platform. 

• Perform fluidic/mechanical simulations to design new MEMS/NEMS based valve structures
• Discuss the design and cross-section to develop a CMOS compatible process flow
• Interact with our fab experts to enable device fabrication in imec’s cleanrooms
• Work in synergy with design, microfluidic and characterization teams
• Design measurement schemes and test the functionality of microfluidic devices
• Examine, interpret, and report experimental data to colleagues

What we do for you

We offer you the opportunity to join one of the world’s premier research centers in nanotechnology at its headquarters in Leuven, Belgium. With your talent, passion and expertise, you’ll become part of a team that makes the impossible possible. Together, we shape the technology that will determine the society of tomorrow.

We are committed to being an inclusive employer and proud of our open, multicultural, and informal working environment with ample possibilities to take initiative and show responsibility. We commit to supporting and guiding you in this process; not only with words but also with tangible actions. Through imec.academy, 'our corporate university', we actively invest in your development to further your technical and personal growth. 

We are aware that your valuable contribution makes imec a top player in its field. Your energy and commitment are therefore appreciated by means of a competitive salary with many fringe benefits. 

Who you are

• We welcome profiles with a PhD degree in engineering, physics or related
• You are familiar with CMOS processes and techniques
• Working in a FAB and LAB environment excites you
• You have experience in CFD simulations or modelling (e.g. Ansys fluent, COMSOL, etc)
• You are fluent in English and have good communication skills.