Development of electronics and instrumentation for Microfluidics, Sensors and Actuators

We offer a Postdoc Position at the NeptunLab. The NeptunLab is the highly interdisciplinary research group of Prof. Bastian E. Rapp at the Department of Microsystems Technology (IMTEK) at the University of Freiburg. Research interests include the development of novel materials, technologies and processes for structuring materials and industrial applications. The work of the NeptunLab is published in the most important international journals including Lab-on-a-Chip, Advanced Materials, Angewandte Chemie and Nature and has been featured in national and international radio and print media including the BBC, the New York Times and the Discovery Channel.
The NeptunLab is experienced in the development of microfluidics and microfluidic-based electrochemical sensors platforms for, e.g. the analysis of biofluids or the assessment of cell and biofilm cultures. Machine development in the field of lithography and 3D printing, impedimetric and amperometric sensors, microfluidic arrays and the respective periphery, microfluidic batteries and electrochemistry are within the focus of the lab. We are looking for a highly motivated scientist, who is interested in the development of electronics for sensors, actuators and novel instrumentation including microcontroller programming and analysis of scientific sensor data. You would be a key factor for many projects within the NeptunLab, providing solutions for different scientific problems while being able to follow your own scientific projects. The position involves development of your own scientific group under the guidance of Prof. Rapp strengthening your scientific profile and international visibility and acquiring funding for scientific projects. You will also be involved in teaching and administrative obligations aside from research. The contract contains a probationary period of six months and is limited to two years - with the possibility of extension if the scientific conduct is excellent and the candidates proves suitable for an academic career. This position will play a key role in an ERC Consolidator Grant which will develop a next-generation, first-of-its-kind tactile displays for visually impaired people. Being a project of high social and scientific relevance, the project and this position thus offers significant potential for developing an academic career as well as high-impact publications.
Your Activities and Responsibilities
• Analog and digital circuit development
• Microprocessor programming
• Interface and UI programming
• Development of electrochemical sensors and sensor periphery
• Large-scale integration of sensors and actuators
• Development of novel machinery
• Supervision of PhDs, Master and Bachelor Students
• Writing of grant proposals

Your Qualification Profile
• PhD in electrical, software, mechanical or chemical engineering or physics or related subjects
• Profound knowledge of analogue and digital circuit design, microcontroller programming and sensor development is required
• Knowledge of MEMS manufacturing techniques including polymer replication and lithographic techniques is beneficial.
• Excellent academic track record
• Excellent English skills in reading and writing, German skills are beneficial
• You should be a team player with ambitions who has experience in guiding and teaching employees
• You should be interested in expanding your knowledge especially concerning the application of the respective electronics for sensors, actuators and instrumentation, in order to enable the best solutions for the respective problems
• Communication is key for you to fit in with the many projects of the NeptunLab that can profit from your skills
• You should be able to structure and document your work properly
• You should be a creative mind, developing your own ideas and willing to go the extra mile to generate outstanding scientific results.

What we offer/benefits
• An interdisciplinary work environment within the five groups of the NeptunLab, with responsibility for your own PhD students
• Possibility to visit national and international conferences
• Possibility to develop and pursue your own scientific ideas
• The possibility to build your scientific career in a highly ambitious laboratory with many different projects and a strong focus on publications and publicity
• Well-funded projects with access to excellent state-of-the art infrastructure, generous lab space and scientific equipment
• A lab structure that promotes the development of the individual members and fosters open-minded scientific discussions
• An environment that supports start-up mentality – if your research is industrially applicable and promising, we will move towards commercialization of your solution
• Payment of TV-L 13 100 % (monthly gross salary ~3837.26 €)

Your Application
• Letter of motivation
• CV
• academic track record (grades)
• publication list
• reference letter(s) and/or references