The aim of this PhD project is the development of new NEMS devices and new sensing paradigms to achieve the ultimate limits in biological detection based on nanomechanics.
Description
The aim of this PhD project is the development of new NEMS devices and new sensing paradigms to achieve the ultimate limits in biological detection based on nanomechanics. Silicon nanowires together carbon nanotubes represent the ultimate limit in the minituarization of nanomechanical resonators. It is expected that these devices can be applied for ultrasensitive mass sensing at the sub-zeptogram level and for mass spectroscopy of single biomolecules. However, the achievement of the optimal performance of these devices requires a detailed understanding of the nanomechanical response and a major development of the optical instrumentation for the detection of the picometer scale vibrations. In this PhD project advanced optical instrumentation and modeling of the nanomechanical and optical response of the silicon nanowires will be developed. Finite element simulations and analytical models will be developed in order to describe how the static and dynamic response of nanomechanical systems with different geometries behaves when subject to biological adsorption. The final aim will be to establish the potential for weighing single biomolecules and measuring molecular recognition at the level of few events. The work will be developed in a multidisciplinary environment with experts in nanomechanics, nanotechnology, nanofabrication and chemistry. The work involves experimental and theoretical skills, instrumentation design and nanomechanical characterization and modeling. A fellowship for one year is offered, with further extension to 4 years until completion of PhD. This contract is funded in the frame of the ERC Starting Grant project NANOFORCELLS. Contact: Dr. Montserrat Calleja
Additional Job Details
http://www.imm-cnm.csic.es/bionano/en/jobs/grid
Post a Comment