PhD vacancies, Leiden Institute of Chemistry and Leiden Institute of Physics
Schneider and van Ruitenbeek groups, Laboratory of 2D materials
“Single molecule detection with nanojunctions at the edge of graphene”
Disciplines: Nanophysics, Nanochemistry, Nanopore Sensing and Sequencing, Molecular Breakjunctions, Nanofabrication, Physical Chemistry, Organic Chemistry
The research project
DNA sequencing has become a widely accessible and affordable technology. Yet, the development has currently slowed down, and wider applications require further advances. Now, with the added goals of sequencing proteins and polysaccharides, current state-of-the-art single molecule sensors, that obtain information indirectly by measuring the ionic current of molecular ions through nanopores, cannot discriminate between moieties of similar molecular size (for instance, amino acids in proteins, or monosaccharides in glycans). The most advanced nanopore sensors can ‘read’ DNA polymers at the level of stretches of three nucleotides, but not at the level of a single nucleotide. True base-by-base DNA sequencing would be possible with a material of a thickness comparable to the size of a nucleotide, and that allows direct transverse electrical readout. In this project, we will use graphene as transverse electrodes to identify, characterize, and sequence single molecules that are similar in size yet of a different chemical composition. The use of graphene also inherently proposes a solid-state alternative to biopores. We will leverage the outstanding electrical, chemical and mechanical properties of monolayer graphene to create atomically thin readout electrodes embedded in a nanofluidic channel. Single nucleotides within DNA strands that are passed through such devices will be sequentially trapped between two graphene contact electrodes thanks to well-defined, chemically modified edges that are introduced onto the contacts. The contacts, thus bridged by a nucleotide, will yield a tunneling current uniquely characteristic for the trapped nucleotide. Of paramount importance for reaching the project objectives is the appropriate functionalization of the graphene edges. Importantly, the device architecture will be scalable and tunable by unique chemistries that allow the generation of functional graphene edges, thus creating sensors with unprecedented sensitivity and selectivity.
The PhD students will be supervised jointly by Grégory Schneider (Leiden Institute of Chemistry) and Jan van Ruitenbeek (Leiden Institute of Physics), and work in close collaboration with private compagnies and our collaborators nationally and internationally.
About Leiden Institute of Chemistry (LIC) and Leiden Institute of Physics (LION)
The research is jointly run by the Leiden Institute of Chemistry and the Leiden Institute of Physics, with their long-standing traditions of excellence in research. Apart from state-of-the-art preparation and measurement facilities, low-vibration lab space will be available in our ultramicroscopy hall, and experimental groups are (at no charge) supported by excellent mechanical and electronic workshops. We foster an international and collaborative atmosphere and have close ties to other institutes housed within our Faculty of Science and with many research groups within the Netherlands, and many prominent labs abroad.
Your profile
The candidate should be excited to pursue an interdisciplinary PhD project, which will involve a combination of nanofabrication, nanoscience, chemistry, instrumentation development and tunneling signal analysis. You will work in a highly collaborative environment as part of a multi-national team of PhDs, MScs, and professional staff. Our lab supports diversity, access, and inclusion in all its forms. We strive to create a safe environment that supports personal and professional growth, well-being, scientific integrity, and stewardship. We collaborate widely with local and international labs, and are strongly driven to translate our research into societal impacts through working together with industry.
Applications are invited from outstanding graduates holding an MSc degree in Chemical Nanoscience, Biophysics, Nanofabrication, Solid-state Physics, Physical Chemistry, Condensed Matter Physics, Nanoscience, Nanotechnology, Organic chemistry, or related degree.
- Candidates should have
- Prior experience in experimental work, and preferably have co-authored one or more publications.
- High motivation for research, and have an interest in theory.
- Talent to manage their time and progress as the work requires a high level of independence.
- Excellent command of written and spoken English.
- A strong teamwork mentality.
More information
Cheaper, more accurate DNA sequencing - Leiden University
The Schneider Research Group | Laboratory for 2D materials, graphene chemistry and bionanotechnology
Jan van Ruitenbeek - Leiden University
Grégory Schneider - Leiden University
Terms and conditions for PhD positions
- The position will be for a maximum of 4 years, and the candidate is expected to complete a PhD thesis at the end of this period. A contribution to classroom teaching (maximum 10% of the time) will be part of the responsibilities of the candidate, as well as supervision of BSc and MSc research projects that contribute to the goals of this PhD project.
- We offer a stimulating and interactive research environment, free use of all state-of-the-art facilities, a competitive salary.
- We offer a full-time 1 year term position for initially one year. After a positive evaluation of the progress of the thesis, personal capabilities and compatibility the appointment will be extended by a further three years. Salary range from €2.901,-- to € 3.707,-- gross per month (pay scale P in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities).
- Leiden University offers an attractive benefits package with additional holiday (8%) and end-of-year bonuses (8.3 %), training and career development and sabbatical leave. Our individual choices model gives you some freedom to assemble your own set of terms and conditions. Candidates from outside the Netherlands may be eligible for a substantial tax break.
- All our PhD students are embedded in the Leiden University Graduate School of Science https://www.graduateschools.leidenuniv.nl. Our graduate school offers several PhD training courses at three levels: professional courses, skills training and personal effectiveness. In addition, advanced courses to deepen scientific knowledge are offered by the research school.
Leiden University and the Faculty of Science
Leiden University is one of Europe’s leading international research universities.
Thanks to its committed and inspired staff and students, the university enjoys a leading role in academic research and education. Leiden also scores very well every year in prominent rankings. This means that, to maintain our position, the bar is set very high. Regardless of the work you do at our university, you are always encouraged to broaden your horizons, develop your talents and reach your full potential.
The research carried out at the Faculty of Science ranges from mathematics, information science, astronomy, physics, chemistry and bio-pharmaceutical sciences to biology and environmental sciences. The research activities are organized in eight institutes. These institutes offer eight bachelors’ and twelve master’s programs. The faculty has grown strongly in recent years and now has more than 2500 staff and over 6000 students. We are located at the heart of Leiden’s Bio Science Park, one of Europe’s biggest science parks, where university and business life come together.
You can find more information about the faculty of Science at https://www.universiteitleiden.nl/en/science/about-faculty-of-science. For more information about working at Leiden university please visit https://www.universiteitleiden.nl/en/working-at.
How to apply
Are you enthusiastic about this vacancy? We are looking forward to getting to know you. Please submit your application online using the blue button below. Please ensure that you upload the following additional documents:
Applications are written in English and include a Cover Letter indicating the motivation for the project
- Curriculum vitae
- Copies of transcripts of degrees obtained
- Contact details of two references
Applications should be submitted as pdf files.
Interested candidates can respond until May 31th, 2025.
