Details
- Term: Fall 2012, 4 month co-op position
- Positions available: 1
Job description
The Sensors and Integrated Microsystems Lab (SIMSLab) at Waterloo is looking for a highly motivated student to work on the design, fabrication, testing, and characterization of nanoparticle based optical protein sensors. The applications of these sensors include medical and environmental diagnostic tools, among others. Through this research project, the student will have access to state-of-art facilities provided by the SIMSLab and based on experience, the Giga-to-nano (G2N) lab at Waterloo. He/she will gain hands-on-experience in the design, manufacturing, testing, and analysis of nano sensors. Opportunities for publishing in high level conference and journal papers exist and are encouraged. We encourage a highly innovative, creative, and collaborative research environment with many learning opportunities.
The SIMSLab provides an excellent environment to gain valuable skills and experience. Previous co-op students have gone on to work at Abbott, Research in Motion (RIM), Harvard, the Canadian Standards Agency, University of British Columbia, McGill University, and others.
Specific duties of this position may include:
- Design and simulation of nanoparticle sensors using various software packages such as COMSOL, CST, HFSS, matrix laboratory (MATLAB)
- Fabrication of sensor arrays through nanolithography techniques
- Characterization of sensors using UV-vis spectroscopy, atomic force microscopy (AFM), and scanning electron microscope (SEM)
- Testing of sensors using flow injection analysis systems and microfluidic devices/networks
- Optimization of surface functionalization protocols using the quartz crystal microbalance
- Designing and building optical/electrical test setups
- Programming data acquisition systems and creating graphical user interfaces (GUIs)
- Literature reviews, report writing, and technical presentations
The specific project will be assigned to the student based on their preferences, skills, and project time line.
Requirements
- Enthusiastic individual with a desire to make an impact and a keen interest in the project
- Must be a self starter, creative, and dedicated
- Ability to work individually and in a team
- Strong oral and written communication skills
- High degree of hands on ability and proven experimental skills, resourceful
- Knowledge of optics and general sensor principles
- Previous hands on experience with fabrication techniques, related characterization or analytical tools is a plus
- Programming knowledge is also a plus
For
more
information
visit
the
Sensors
and
Integrated
Microsystems
Lab
homepage.
If
interested
in
this
position,
please
email
Patricia
Nieva
and
Ryan
Denomme with
your
resume,
cover
letter,
and
transcript.