We are currently seeking a highly motivated Master's in Applied Science candidate to work within the BioMEMS Project. The selected candidate would be responsible for continuing the development of protein BioMEMS sensors for applications in health care and environmental diagnostics. This includes design, fabrication, testing, and analysis of micro and nanosensors. Through this research, the student will have access to state-of-art facilities provided by the the Sensors and Integrated Microsystems Laboratory (SIMSLab) and other facilities at the University of Waterloo, including the Giga-to-nano (G2N) Lab, the The Center for Integrated RF Engineering (CIRFE) Lab, and the Quantum Nano Centre (QNC) NanoFabrication Center. Opportunities for traveling to conferences and publishing in high level journals exist and are encouraged. We encourage a highly innovative, fun, creative, and collaborative research environment with many learning and networking opportunities.
The SIMSLab provides an excellent environment to gain valuable skills and experience. Previous students have gone on to work at Abbot, Research in Motion (RIM), Harvard, Berkeley, the Canadian Standards Agency, University of British Columbia, McGill University, and others.
Activities may include
- Design and simulation of sensors using various software packages such as COMSOL, CST MWS, ANSYS, and matrix labortatory (MATLAB)
- Fabrication of sensor arrays through micro and nanolithography techniques (electron beam lithography (EBL), (nanoimprint lithograpghy) NIL, etc)
- Developing and testing new sensor materials and architectures
- Characterization of sensors and materials (atomic force microscopy (AFM), scanning electron microscope (SEM), etc)
- Testing of sensors using microfluidic devices/networks
- Optimization of surface functionalization protocols for biocapture
- Development of in-vitro diagnostic devices
- Designing and building optical/electrical test setups
- Programming data acquisition systems and creating graphical user interfaces (GUIs)
- Literature reviews, grant applications, report writing, and technical presentations
- Providing guidance, training, and mentoring to co-op students, URAs, and others as required
- Ensure group meets deliverables, goals, expectations, and deadlines
- Liaison with strategic partners, including industry, academia, and hospitals
- Attend monthly SIMSLab group meetings and on occasion present findings
- Attend conferences, seminars, and workshops
Prerequisites:
- The Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC) or Ontario graduate scholarship (OGS) award holders are preferred, but funding will be provided on a case by case basis
- Undergraduate degree in Nano, Electrical, Mechanical, Mechatronics, Systems Design Engineering, or similar
- Excellent command of both written and spoken English
- Basic knowledge of optics and general sensor principles
- High degree of hands on ability and proven experimental skills
- Undergraduate average of 80% or more is preferred
Assets:
- Working knowledge of engineering programming and simulation tools
- Experience with fabrication techniques, related characterization or analytical tools is a plus
- Previous experience in materials science, biosensors, or nanotechnology
Please forward resumes and unofficial transcripts to:
Patricia Nieva
SIMSLab director
pnieva@uwaterloo.ca