Openings at ME

Postdoc Tiny smart e-nose for fine-grid early detection of crop infestation - functionalization

Pests can have great impact on harvests, and endanger food security worldwide. To increase the resilience of local food systems and prevent large-scale future shortages it is essential to detect the presence of malicious insects and plant diseases at a very early stage at low cost. This challenge is addressed in this project in which you will develop a CMOS-based electronic nose to detect volatile organic compounds (odors) that indicate the presence of bugs, fungi and or bacterial diseases.

By testing a range of inkjetable gas-absorbing materials in combination with a recently developed highly sensitive CMOS readout chip, you will realize a sensitive and selective electronic nose that will be tested in the lab and in the field for its capability of early stage pest detection. Building understanding of the physics and chemistry involved in the sensing and sensor fabrication, as well as of the electronic readout related aspects will be integral to this postdoc project.

This project operates on the frontiers of science to address an industrial need and will prepare you well for a career in academia and industry.

Our multidisciplinary research team consists of members from the faculties EEMCS (Microelectronics department) and 3mE (Precision and Microsystems Engineering department) of Delft University of Technology, and focusses on precision sensors, electronics and microsystems using new materials. We are well equipped with state-of-the-art fabrication facilities and equipment.

Website and references:

http://www.pme.tudelft.nl/dmn

http://www.pme.tudelft.nl/psteeneken

http://bioelectronics.tudelft.nl/    

Requirements

• PhD degree in physics, electrical engineering, material science, mechanical engineering, chemistry or equivalent.
• Experience with surface characterisation, surface functionalization, inkjet printing, thin film sensors characterisation.
• Knowledge of inkjet printing, electronics and sensor technology is a plus.
• Motivated to work in a team, with a proactive attitude towards collaboration with industrial partners.
• Interested to experimental research on a multidisciplinary, societally relevant research topic.

Contact