Embedded in the Leuven Chem&Tech and Leuven Nanocenter facilities, the Ameloot group (http://amelootgroup.org/) studies different flavors of materials and applications and has been awarded ERC Starting and Consolidator Grants. The group is one of the founding members of the Leuven Institute for Micro- and Nanoscale Integration (LIMNI, https://limni.kuleuven.be/). Our research is focused on enabling applications through a fundamental understanding of material formation processes and properties.
KU Leuven (University of Leuven) has been a center of learning for nearly six centuries. Today, it is Belgium's largest and highest-ranked university and, founded in 1425, one of the oldest and most renowned universities in Europe. The university caters to over 60 000 students from more than 140 countries. KU Leuven's three doctoral schools provide internationally oriented PhD tracks for more than 4 000 doctoral students. KU Leuven and affiliated knowledge institutes provide fertile ground for innovation and high-tech entrepreneurship in the Leuven region. This favorable climate for knowledge-driven entrepreneurship and innovation makes the Leuven region an attractive location for many high-tech companies.
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Project
This role involves the development of cutting-edge chemical sensors based on metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) that leverage kinetic selectivity to differentiate and quantify volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and other analytes even in complex mixtures and humid environments. Inspired by natural olfaction, this innovative approach relies on measuring differences in molecular diffusion rates rather than equilibrium adsorption, using a novel temperature-perturbation method in a MOF layer. For a pre-print paper describing this novel (and patented) approach, see https://chemrxiv.org/engage/chemrxiv/article-details/67c6d8b181d2151a02030e8e.
As part of the ERC project 'KISSIES' (https://cordis.europa.eu/project/id/101045433), your task will be to fabricate sensors in the KU Leuven cleanroom and integrate MOF materials as functional coatings into these sensors. All aspects of sensor fabrication and evaluation will be explored, including methods for thin film deposition and characterization (e.g., atomic layer deposition, ellipsometry), the design and fabrication of microhotplates, and the development of novel lithographic patterning methods, for instance starting from our earlier work on direct beam patterning of MOFs (see https://www.nature.com/articles/s41563-020-00827-x).
The position offers opportunities to collaborate within a multidisciplinary team, engage in cutting-edge research, present findings at conferences, and develop technical and professional skills through publications, international exchanges, and targeted training.
Profile
We are looking for:
- A motivated candidate with a strong academic track record and a degree in Materials engineering, Physics engineering, Materials chemistry, or a related field in Science and Engineering.
- A candidate passionate about novel materials and technology, and willing to work as part of an interdisciplinary team.
- Previous demonstrations of out-of-the-box thinking. Bonus points if you consider yourself a 'maker' and practical problem solver, we appreciate what you are doing!
- Since we target real-world applications through our research, an interest in valorization (e.g., spin-off creation) is a plus.
- Since we are a highly international team, proficiency in both written and spoken English is non-negotiable.
Please consider applying if you have several of the following skills:
- Experience with/an interest in cleanroom fabrication
- Experience with/an interest in atomic layer deposition / molecular layer deposition & thin film characterization.
- Experience with/an interest in both materials characterization and electrical measurements
- Other skills that you think are relevant (please explain in your cover letter).
Offer
- A full-time PhD position for 4 years. The initial contract will be for one year and will be extended based on a positive evaluation.
- Excellent guidance by our dynamic, international, and multidisciplinary team.
- High-level scientific training at a top-ranked university.
- Being part of world-class research groups with access to top-class labs
- A remuneration package competitive with standards in Belgium, a country with a high quality of life and an excellent health care system.
- Ample opportunities to develop yourself in a scientific and/or industrial direction. Besides the opportunities offered by the research group, further doctoral training for PhD candidates is provided within the framework of the KU Leuven Arenberg Doctoral School (https://set.kuleuven.be/phd), which is recognized for its strong focus on both future scientists and scientifically trained professionals who will leverage their doctoral expertise and competences in non-academic contexts.
- A stay in a vibrant environment in the heart of Europe. The university is located in Leuven, a town of approximately 100 000 inhabitants, situated close to Brussels (25 km) and 20 minutes by train from Brussels International Airport. This strategic positioning, combined with the university's strong presence, international research centers, and industry, results in a safe town with a high quality of life, welcoming to non-Dutch speakers, and offering ample opportunities for social and sports activities. The mixture of cultures and research fields is one of the ingredients making the University of Leuven the most innovative university in Europe (https://www.reuters.com/graphics/EUROPE-UNIVERSITY-INNOVATION/010091N02HR/). Further information can be found on the website of the university: https://www.kuleuven.be/english/life-at-ku-leuven
Interested?
Please submit your application through the KU Leuven portal. In case you have questions about this job opportunity, please contact Prof. Rob Ameloot ([email protected]) via email and mention "PhD position: Metal-organic films for sensing and lithography" in the subject line. Please do NOT send an email just to inform that you submitted your application.
Preferred starting date: as soon as your schedule permits
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.
