Characterization of biomolecule polarizability in alternating electric fields

Imec; Vlaams-Brabant; Remote; EUR 6,700 - 10,000; Full time

Job summary

Imec in Leuven offers a master internship focused on characterizing the dielectric polarization of biomolecules using alternating electric fields. The project involves DEP capture experiments on microelectrode arrays and quantitative analysis of biomolecular trapping with fluorescence microscopy.

The successful student will compare experimental results to electrokinetic models, extract polarization parameters, and assess theoretical descriptions at the molecular level.

Qualifications

• Master student in a relevant field (Nanoscience, Physics, or Bioscience Engineering).
• Strong curiosity in biophysics and microfluidics.
• Ability to perform fluorescence imaging and data analysis.

Responsibilities

• Characterize biomolecule polarizability under alternating electric fields.
• Perform DEP capture experiments with microelectrode arrays.
• Analyze imaging data and compare to electrokinetic models.

Education

Nanoscience & Nanotechnology

Physics

Bioscience Engineering

Job description

/ Characterization of biomolecule polarizability in alternating electric fields

Characterization of biomolecule polarizability in alternating electric fields

Master internship - Leuven | More than two weeks ago

Explore the dielectrophoretic behavior of biomolecules on microelectrode arrays.

This internship project focuses on the experimental characterization and quantification of the electricalpolarizability of biomolecules such as DNA and proteins. The student willperform dielectrophoresis (DEP) capture experiments using microelectrode array devices and quantify biomoleculartrapping behavior using fluorescence microscopy. Experimental results will becompared to continuum-based electrokinetic models to extract effectivepolarizability parameters and assess the validity and limitations of existingtheoretical descriptions at the molecular scale. The work will involvefluorescence imaging, data analysis, and numerical modeling, providing hands‑onexperience at the interface of biophysics, microfluidics, and electrokinetics.This project aims to improve the understanding of biomolecular polarizationmechanisms and contribute to the development of label-based and label-free DEPmanipulation techniques.

Type of internship: Master internship

Duration: 6 months

Required educational background: Nanoscience & Nanotechnology, Physics, Bioscience Engineering

University promotor: Liesbet Lagae (KU Leuven)

Reference code for this position is 2026-INT-104. Mention this reference code in your application.

Only for self-supporting students.