Postdoctoral Researcher – Development and Integration of Microfluidic Modules for Menstrual Fluid Sample Preparation, Cellular Isolation and DNA Recovery (Ref.59.25.442)

Job Duties

The job duties will be the following:

• Design, optimise, fabricate and integrate microfluidic devices for cell isolation and DNA recovery;
• Implement microfluidic systems with controllable and automatable flow-controls;
• Develop integrated systems capable of performing full menstrual fluid sample processing (i.e., sample preparation, sorting of cells and extraction of DNA - “sample-in, DNA-out” approach);
• Design and implement electronic systems capable of automatising sample processing for a benchtop setup;
• Participate in research planning and experimental design activities;
• Contribute to the group’s core activities;
• Contribute to the dissemination of scientific results in high quality journals and by participating in national and international conferences;
• Contribute to project reports and documentation.

Education

• PhD in Biomedical Engineering, Bioengineering, or other applied sciences engineering areas.

Experience and Technical Skills

• Microfluidic devices and systems, including designing, fabrication, implementation and optimisation;
• Integration of microfluidic devices in larger systems and platforms;
• Experience with complex fluidic control and automatisation of microfluidic systems.

Other Valued Skills 

• Knowledge in microcontroller and electronic system design is highly valued;
• Experience with cell (or particle) sorting is a plus;
• Experience with DNA capture and recovery is a plus;
• Capability to use rapid prototyping tools to accelerate system development and optimization (e.g., 3D printing, laser-cutting, CNC machining);
• Programming skills in a variety of languages (e.g., MATLAB, Python, Arduino) is highly advantageous;
• Knowledge and experience working with biological samples (e.g., blood), cell samples and biological assays is a plus;
• Knowledge and experience in working with surface functionalisation is a plus;
• Knowledge regarding FET sensors in microfluidics is a plus.

Personal Skills

•  “Hands-on” approach together with a high commitment in respecting deadlines;
• Analytical mindset with a proactive approach to problem-solving;
• Capacity to work independently while contributing effectively to a multidisciplinary and international team;
• Strong verbal and written communication skills, with capability to liaise with collaborators with different backgrounds;
• Skilled in communicating across disciplines and engaging with collaborators from diverse scientific backgrounds;
• Excellent data management practices, ensuring accuracy, reproducibility, and integrity;
• Willingness to support and mentor junior researchers and students.

• Tax benefits and other Diplomatic privileges;
• Private health insurance;
• Family allowances (according to family situation);
• Free nursery service at INL premises (subject to availability);
• Support for education fees of dependent children;
• Relocation support;
• 30 working days of annual leave.