Postdoc position: Development of a point-of-care device for patients with chronic kidney disease
Project: Development of a Point-of-care device for patients with chronic kidney disease
Personnel: postdoctoral research associate (for 2 years)
Job description
Recently the first self-test device based on capillary electrophoresis was presented (A. Floris et al., A prefilled, ready-to-use electrophoresis based Lab-on-a-Chip device for monitoring lithium in blood, Lab Chip, 2010, DOI:10.1039/C003899G). Figure 1 shows the functioning of the device which employs a handheld reader and disposable glass chip. The chip contains a number of innovations, amongst others sealed electrode reservoirs, which for the first time make the electrophoresis platform useable for point-of-care applications.
Figure 1 1) A cartridge containing a pre-filled microfluidic chip; 2) the cartridge is opened, the chip seal is removed and a drop of blood is deposited at the sample opening; 3) the cartridge is inserted in the Multireader and the measurement is started.
In this project, the microfluidic chip will be developed for application in the self-management of patients with chronic kidney disease. If such patients monitor certain parameters in blood and urine, it is expected that they can adjust their lifestyle and increase quality and duration of their life. Analytes that we aim for in the project are potassium, calcium, phosphate and creatinine in blood and sodium in urine. Each of these analytes in combination with their matrix (blood, urine) will offer different challenges for example in sample preparation (injection), separation and detection.
In this project you are expected to perform research and development aimed at producing reliably functioning prototypes for the above applications. We expect to sequentially developing prototypes, moving from the more simple applications (e.g. potassium and calcium in blood) to the most challenging ones (creatinine and phosphate in blood).
You will be employed in the BIOS/Lab-on-a-Chip group and on an everyday basis cooperate with Medimate, the company developing and marketing point-of-care devices based at the University (www.medimate.nl).
Requirements
The candidate should preferably have a background in lab on a chip-related research, if possible separation systems. Candidates with a background in analytical chemistry, especially electrophoresis, are also invited to apply. Experience in microfabrication technology and electrical measurements will be appreciated. Excellent mastery of scientific English is required for everyday communication in the group and writing of well-structured reports in that language as well as papers.
BIOS group
The BIOS, Lab-on-a-Chip group is part of the MESA+ Institute for Nanotechnology, located at the University of Twente (The Netherlands) and is considered as a pioneering group in the field of microfluidics. The group offers a multidisciplinary research environment as well as an active social life. More information can be found on our group and our research activities and interests can be found on http://bios.ewi.utwente.nl/.
What we offer
We offer you a postdoc position for 2 years. The minimum starting salary is € 2861 gross per month.
Applications
For more information and application, please contact Jan Eijkel (j.c.t.eijkel@utwente.nl) Applications should consist of an application/motivation letter as well as a detailed CV (resume) and publication list. Vacancy number 10/065.
