Next-gen PIC fluorescence sensing for health and environmental monitoring

At Imec, we have conceptualized novelsurface-sensitive fluorescence sensing platforms to measure the presence of specificanalytes in both chemical and biological matrices [1-2]. Our sensors are basedon photonic integrated circuits (PIC) which allows the collection offluorescence emitted by surface-bound molecules with high sensitivity, evenwithin the presence of high bulk fluorophore concentrations. Moreover, thesensors have been designed to be highly multiplexable, affordable, and massmanufacturable and because fluorescence responds onnanosecond timescales, they enable high-speedreadout without sacrificing sensitivity and molecular selectivity.

We are looking for one or more internship students to focus on:

1. The detection of trace concentrations ofproteins in biological samples. This is relevant for research in lifesciences, diagnostics, and pharmaceutical sciences, which rely heavily on therapid, low-cost, and sensitive detection of biological molecules. Potential applicationsrange from disease screening to the development of new therapeutical compounds,among others. In this internship the student will assist the team that is developingthe sensor to gain a better understanding of the functioning and performance ofthe device by performing the following activities:
• Learn about surface-sensitive biosensors andtheir various implementations.
• Gain a theoretical understanding of photonicintegrated circuits, waveguides sensing technology and its applications in thefield of biosensing.
• Perform immunoassays on a device and benchmarkagainst standard methods.
• Develop experimental workflows and contributesto system development
• Analyse and present experimental data.
2. The sensingperformance of fluorescent metal-organic framework (MOF) onphotonic waveguides for PFAS sensing. This is highly relevant for environmentalscience and semiconductor industries where there is a growing needfor fast, sensitive and in-line monitoringof PFAS molecules. While MOFs contribute to the chemicalspecificity and produce clear fluorescence changes upon interaction with boundmolecules, the waveguide-basedexcitation and collection ensure localized probing by using an evanescent fieldexcitation and collection. In this internship, the student will contribute toexperimentally evaluate PFAS-tailoredfluorescent MOF coatings on SiN waveguides towards PFAS sensing in aqueousenvironments. The student will assist the team in testing the sensorand to gain a better understanding of the functioning and performance byperforming the following activities:
• Learn about surface-sensitive biosensors and their various implementations.
• Gain a theoretical understanding of photonic integrated circuits, waveguides sensing technology and its applications in the field of biosensing.
• Perform test assays on a device and benchmarkagainst standard methods.
• Establishing calibration curves anddetermining the achievable limits of detection for this new waveguide-based MOF sensing platform.
• Analyse and present experimental data.

The candidate(s):

1. You have a strong interest in experimental work,including working with optical setups, microfluidics, (molecular) biosensingand chemical sensing.
2. You are proactive and highly motivated to learnand develop new skills
3. You have a multidisciplinary background ormindset.
4. Background in photonics/environmental sciences, MOFchemistry/biochemistry experience and programming experience are a strong plus.
5. Given the international character of imec, afluent knowledge of English is a must.

Reference

1. JamesShirley, F., Neutens, P., Saleh, A. A., Steylaerts, T., Dusar, H., & vanDorpe, P. (2025). A Novel Interference-Based Supercritical Angle FluorescenceBiosensor. ACS Sensors, 10(12), 9391-9396.
2. Mahmud-Ul-Hasan,Md., Neutens, P., Vos, R., Lagae, L., & van Dorpe, P. (2017). Suppression of Bulk Fluorescence Noise by Combining Waveguide-BasedNear-Field Excitation and Collection. ACSPhotonics, 4(3), 495-500.

Type of internship: Master internship, PhD internship

Duration: up to 6 months

Required educational background: Biomedical engineering, Nanoscience & Nanotechnology, Physics

Supervising scientist(s): For further information or for application, please contact Lisa Tripodi ([email protected]) and Stijn Jooken ([email protected])

The reference code for this position is 2026-INT-038. Mention this reference code in your application.

Applications should include the following information:

• resume
• motivation
• current study

Incomplete applications will not be considered.