1 PostDoc Position in Biophysics/Semiconductor Electrochemistry in Canada | Université de Sherbrooke

The Laboratory for Quantum Semiconductors and Photon-based BioNanotechnology of the Université de Sherbrooke Interdisciplinary Institute for Technological Innovation is involved in interdisciplinary research focused on the development of practical methods of photonic detection of selected biomolecules in biological fluids. At the center of our research is a study of the photoluminescence (PL) effect in antibody biofunctionalized GaAs/AlGaAs microstructures. The approach takes advantage of the high sensitivity of the PL signal to the perturbation of the physico-chemical properties of a semiconductor/electrolyte interface induced by biomolecules trapped in the vicinity of the semiconductor surface. Design, modelling and optimization of various semiconductor nano-architectures immersed in biological fluids play important roles in quantification of the results and achieving attractive limits of detection.

The successful candidate should have the following, but not limited to, skills:

• Practical knowledge of building self-assembled monolayers on Au or semiconductor surfaces
• Proven competence in immunochemical experiments and related surface and interface diagnostic techniques, such as FTIR, XPS, AFM and mass spectroscopy
• Practical knowledge of electrochemistry or photo-electrochemistry

We are seeking a dynamic and motivated candidate with a PhD in biophysics, chemistry or another related area. The ideal candidate will have good knowledge of organic chemistry with a particular emphasis on self-assembled monolayers (SAMs) of thiols. Basic knowledge of semiconductor physics and experience with experimental techniques for characterization of optical properties of materials would be an asset. The candidate will interact with a microbiologist from the Université de Sherbrooke Faculty of Medicine and he/she will co-supervise PhD students investigating photonic detection of biomolecules in biological fluids.

Starting salary is at $35,000 per annum, and it is negotiable depending on the candidate’s experience. Please note that this offer is for candidates who received their PhD diploma in 2010 or more recently. A one-year appointment will be offered beginning September 2014, with the possibility of extending the contract for up to 3 years.