Biomimetic Polymeric Receptor-based Sensor Systems for Study and Monitoring of Wellbeing States
The PhD project aims to develop point-of-care (PoC) sensing devices based on molecularly imprinted polymers (MIPs) as robust, low-cost biomimetic receptors for non-invasive detection of biomarkers associated with human well-being, including stress. The project addresses limitations of current diagnostics, such as poor performance in complex samples and reliance on labile biological receptors. The resulting device is expected to provide affordable analytical tools for the accurate analysis of biological fluids, such as sweat, saliva, and urine, in point-of-care settings.
Research objective:
There is an increasing demand for point-of-care (PoC) devices for non-invasive analysis that enable stress monitoring with minimal disruption to daily routines. Electrochemical biosensors have attracted considerable interest due to their cost-effective fabrication, high sensitivity, and potential for miniaturization, making them well suited for PoC applications.
The use of molecularly imprinted polymers (MIPs) as robust biomimetic recognition elements represents an attractive strategy for overcoming the limitations of biological receptors. Through molecular imprinting, MIPs are engineered to selectively bind target molecules by creating recognition cavities complementary in size, shape, and chemical functionality to the target. As a result, MIPs can provide affinity and selectivity comparable to those of biological receptors while offering additional advantages, including enhanced chemical and thermal stability, cost-effective production, high reproducibility, and animal-free fabrication. The combination of MIP technology with PoC sensing platforms therefore offers significant potential for the development of reliable and accessible tools for monitoring stress-related biomarkers.
The objective of this PhD project is to develop cost-effective synthesis approaches for generating MIPs selective toward biomarkers associated with human well-being, particularly the stress biomarker cortisol. These approaches should be compatible with the efficient integration of MIPs into portable sensing platforms, preferably employing electrochemical transduction, to enable rapid and reproducible analysis of non-invasive samples such as saliva and sweat. In addition, the project will develop data-processing strategies for the reliable interpretation of signals generated by MIP-based sensing devices.
Responsibilities and (foreseen) tasks:
Actively participate in the experimental research work, including:
- Rational selection of functional monomers using computational modelling and spectroscopic analysis;
- Selection of target biomarkers based on literature review and scientific evidence;
- Optimization of polymerization methods and template removal procedures for the preparation of MIPs;
- Adaptation of synthesis methods for the integration of MIPs into suitable sensor platforms;
- Rational optimization of MIP affinity and selectivity toward target analytes;
- Evaluation of the analytical performance of MIP-based sensors in relevant biological media (e.g., saliva) and optimization of sample collection and pretreatment procedures.
- Collaborate with internal and external research partners.
- Present research results at group meetings and scientific conferences.
- Prepare scientific reports, publications, and other research-related documentation.
Applicants should fulfil the following requirements:
- MSc degree in the field of chemistry, analytical chemistry, materials science, or in a related field
- A clear interest in the research topic
- Excellent command of English (Level B2 or higher)
- Strong writing, analytical, and problem-solving skills
We are looking for highly motivated candidates with practical experience in polymer synthesis, electrochemistry, and the development or characterization of chemical and biosensors. Candidates should possess good laboratory skills, the ability to conduct independent research, and strong scientific communication skills, including the preparation of reports and presentations. Shortlisted candidates will be invited for an interview and asked to present their previous scientific work and research experience.
The following experience is beneficial:
- Programming skills in MATLAB and/or Python
Experience with data analysis and graphing software, such as Origin (OriginLab Corporation) - Knowledge of electrochemical methods and techniques.
- Familiarity with machine learning approaches
Important: The candidate should submit a tentative research plan for the topic, including the overall research objectives. In the plan, the candidate should avoid text with general formulations prepared using AI-assisted tools. The candidate's ability to compose a consistent plan that expands on the listed research questions and tasks and proposes theoretical lenses will be highly valued by us.
We offer:
- A fully funded PhD position with a gross monthly salary of at least EUR 2300, depending on qualifications and experience.
- The opportunity to work on an innovative research project at the interface of materials science, analytical chemistry, and biosensor technology.
- Opportunities to present research at international conferences and publish in high-impact scientific journals.
- Collaboration opportunities with academic and industrial partners in Estonia and abroad.
Supervisors:
Main supervisor: Leading Researcher Vitali Sõritski: School of Engineering: Department of Materials and Environmental Technology: Laboratory of Biofunctional Materials
Co-Supervisor: Senior Lecturer Jekaterina Reut: School of Engineering: Department of Materials and Environmental Technology: Laboratory of Biofunctional Materials
Tallinn University of Technology (TalTech) is an international scientific community with approximately 9,000 students and 2,000 employees; it is one of the largest universities in Estonia, the leading EU country in digitalisation. The university's strengths are broad multidisciplinary study/research interests, a modern research environment, and strong collaboration with international educational and research institutions. TalTech is aiming to be an organisation leading the way to a sustainable digital future.
The Department of Materials and Environmental Technology is part of the TalTech School of Engineering. Its mission is to lead internationally recognized education, research, and development in the fields of materials and environmental technology in Estonia. The Department conducts high-level research in eight laboratories and provides education across all levels of higher education. The research activities encompass a broad range of topics, including chemistry, physics, materials science and technology, as well as the development of innovative and sustainable technologies for environmental applications.
The Laboratory of Biofunctional Materials of the Department of Materials and Environmental Technology develops smart sensing functional materials to propose solutions with considerable potential impact on essential areas of human life such as environmental protection and medical diagnostics. Employing the molecular imprinting technology, the group designs and synthesizes polymeric materials so called Molecularly Imprinted Polymer (MIP), which, thanks to their synthetic nature, possess excellent chemical and thermal stability and are associated with reproducible, cost-effective fabrication. MIPs can be easily integrated with a variety of sensor platforms and allow, thus, label-free detection of a target analyte with high sensitivity and selectivity. The laboratory has succeeded in developing the MIP-based sensors capable of determining various antibiotics (sulfamethizole, amoxicillin, erythromycin) in aqueous media as well as clinically relevant compounds such as immunoglobulin G, neurotrophic factors (BDNF, CDNF) and viral proteins (SARS-Cov-2 nucleocapsid and spike proteins).
For information about the admission process, please visit the PhD Admission homepage
Applications can be submitted from 02.06.2026 to 22.06.2026
