Position Overview

Reporting to Professor Suresh Neethirajan, Director of the BioNano Laboratory (https://bionanolab.ca/) in the school of Engineering of the University of Guelph, he/she will support current laboratory projects and programs in point-of care biomedical diagnostic devices and biosensor systems and develop new concepts and projects in medical devices primarily based on molecular diagnostics and microfluidics. Additional job responsibilities will include supervision of graduate and undergraduate students, and preparation of white papers and proposals. We are looking for a high energy, dynamic, creative, promising young investigator. The successful candidate will be an innovator and future laboratory leader and will work independently as well as in a team setting. 

Key Responsibilities

The postdoctoral fellow will work on currently funded projects focusing on the development of point of care biosensors and bioinstrumentation tools for protein and nucleic acid analysis. The fellow will investigate and develop novel molecular diagnostics based biosensors and bioinstrumentation towards field deployable tools for detection of infectious disease biomarkers. This work will involve bioengineering, microbiology, laboratory testing, data analysis, and reporting and documentation. The individual will also be expected to develop his/her own unique and innovative ideas for next generation molecular diagnostic devices that can rapidly detect a variety of diseases and environmental exposures.

• Device and assay development and testing
• Development and implementation of new in vitro diagnostics concepts and systems
• Contribute to project technical reports and reviews
• Prepare and present progress reports
• Engage and work successfully with multidisciplinary project teams
• Preparation of white papers and proposals

Qualifications

• Experience in molecular diagnostics and in vitro medical diagnostic devices
• D. in bioengineering or electrical engineering or Chemical Engineering or a relevant field
• Working knowledge of immunoassays, DNA analysis, and bioengineered medical devices and systems
• Good general knowledge of microfluidics, paper based biosensors, optical and electrochemical analytical techniques, sensor fabrication, device testing and development, sensor development, and IVD systems
• Some familiarity with medical device quality system regulations and management
• Excellent teamwork and communication skills
• Knowledge and strong publication record in biosensing development and extensive experience in the hand held portable sensors would be preferred.

Duration of the contract: One year

Application Package Must Contain

• Cover letter stating the qualifications and the earliest date of availability
• 3 page summary of research statement explaining the motivation, and interest in the projects
• Up to date curriculum vitae with contact information for 3 references
• 3 scientific publications in pdf format

Please send your application package to Prof. Suresh Neethirajan – [email protected] Only short-listed candidates will be contacted.

Our group fosters interdisciplinary approach to research in studies covering diverse topics of biomedical, food, biological and agricultural systems. The goal of the lab is focused on studying the nanoscale aspects of biosystems through bio-instrumentation and bio-imaging. Microfluidic devices, biosensor development, cell biology, bacteria, and nanotechnology are integrated in our projects.

Students with background in biomedical, biological, chemical engineering or biophysics are encouraged to apply.  Previous experience in sensor development, microscopy, microfabrication, cell culture and imaging will be helpful. If you are a highly motivated student who is interested in pursuing nanotechnology research in an interdisciplinary environment, please contact Prof. Suresh Neethirajan at [email protected] for information. Please do include a cover letter, and a detailed resume, along with your email.

The University of Guelph (http://www.uoguelph.ca/) is a research-intensive top comprehensive university in Canada, located in Guelph, Ontario. The city of Guelph (http://guelph.ca) is a vibrant college town known for its diverse community and its close proximity to Toronto, and Hamilton. Guelph provides an outstanding quality of life.