Call to candidates for a MIP-based Ph.D. study

[victoracha]

Call to candidates for a Ph.D. study
Title: Molecularly Imprinted Polymer-based fiber optic biosensor development for mycotoxin detection
Research Institution: LaSalle Beauvais Polytechnic Institute (Beauvais, France) and University of Technology Compiegne (Compiegne, France). Registration at the UTC Doctoral School
Funding: Three year granting for doctoral research from the Picardy Regional Council (CRP)
The goal of this research project is the development of a novel technology to elaborate biomimetic sensors based on the use of molecularly imprinted polymers (MIP) for measuring mycotoxins in food matrices. MIPs are synthetic polymeric materials with specific recognition sites complementary in shape, size and functional groups to the template molecules, involving an interaction mechanism based on molecular recognition. They can replace advantageously the biomolecules to develop chip and robust biosensors. In a fluorimetric system MIP coated optical fibers can be coupled to a transducer which is charged to convert the MIPs/target biomolecule interaction into a measurable signal which is proportional to the target biomolecule concentration.
Preference will be given to highly motivated individuals with solid experience in MIPs elaboration, and background in fiber optic fluorimetry.
The chosen candidate will first be admitted in the laboratory of Dr. Karsten Haupt (UTC, Compiegne) to elaborate MIPs for Fumonisin B1, and then in the laboratory of Dr Victor Acha (LaSalle Institute) to develop the biomimetic sensor.
Working language: either French, English or Spanish
To apply: In order to be considered for this position, qualified applicants should send the following information to Dr. Victor Acha (victor.acha@lasalle-beauvais.fr):
- motivation letter
- detailed CV (including publications)
- contact information for at least 2 professional references
- deadline: before end June 2010.