Post-Doctoral researcher : Nanomechanical resonators (NEMS) arrays for (bio)particle mass sensing

Background
Nano-Electro-Mechanical systems generate particular interest in a wide range of applications, from quantum measurements to biotechnology. In a highly competitive context of high-level research, CEA LETI MINATEC has been designing, modeling, fabricating and characterizing NEMS-based mass sensors for several years. The extremely low mass of those nanodevices allow them to reach unprecedented mass resolutions, of the order of 1 zg (10-21g). The very accurate measurement of a change in the NEMS resonance frequency upon particle accretion allows one to deduce the mass of the particle. The long term goal is to characterize biological particles in mass ranges currently unachievable by conventional techniques with possible applications in disease diagnosis, air quality control and characterization of novel therapeutic agents.

Thanks to LETI’s prime technological means and NEMS expertise, major technological milestones have been achieved, yielding high profile publications (Hanay et al, Nature Nanotech, 2012, Sage et al. Nature Comms. 2015; Sansa et al. Nature Nanotech. 2016). These developments also led to the first industrial initiative worldwide in the NEMS field with the creation of the start-up APIX Analytics (apixanalytics.com).

The EDyP team of the Large Scale Biology laboratory has for mission to develop analytical technologies for the measurement of the protein complement of biological systems. Over the past two decades, the laboratory has acquired extensive expertise in high-end mass spectrometry instrumentation and its use to achieve protein identification and quantification. Current efforts aim at the extension of these technologies towards the direct analysis of massive species such as intact proteins or supra-molecular complexes. Their characterization remains a significant challenge for conventional mass spectrometers and motivate efforts toward alternative analytical devices. Since 2013, LETI and EDyP have thus initiated a joint effort towards developing a new generation of NEMS based mass spectrometers.

This post-doc position is opened in the framework of a European Research Council project (ERC Consolidator – Project Enlightened) on NEMS-based mass spectrometry. 

Opening:
The hired person will have to improve the performance of nanomechanical arrays for mass sensing in the current system: signal improvement, mass resolution and noise characterization, fast operation in closed loop for real-time mass sensing. He/she will propose new designs. The fellow will also participate with the rest of the team in the advising of PhD students and the realization of a second generation prototype of a NEMS-based mass sensing setup for biological and environmental particles. The hired person will have to build on an existing vacuum system in order to extend its capabilities. The post-doctoral fellow will have to work in sync with the other team members involved in this cross-disciplinary project, from NEMS fabrication and characterization to Mass Spectrometry instrumentation and biological experiments.

Requirements
We are looking for a senior or junior post-doctoral fellow with a PhD in physics or engineering, having significant training and hands-on experience in M/NEMS design, electrical characterization or instrumentation. Experimental development, especially vacuum systems  will be highly appreciated. Applied physics background in general is expected.

Applicants must provide evidence of academic and/or engineering performance with a strong publication record, excellent writing and communication skills, and a commitment to work on scientifically challenging problems. She/he must also have a taste for multidisciplinary team work, including physics, electronics, chemists and biologists.