Electric-field modulation of molecular affinity at modified surfaces for selective separations

Imec; Vlaams-Brabant; On-site; EUR 6,700 - 8,900; Part time

Job summary

Imec invites applications for a Master internship investigating how applied electric fields modulate interactions on SiO2-based surfaces for selective separations. The project will generate preliminary data for a grant and potentially contribute to a publication.

You will run SPR experiments to study adsorption, desorption, and binding under different field conditions and develop a theoretical framework to explain the observations.

Qualifications

• Master internship at imec in a field related to biomedical engineering, bioscience, chemistry, materials, mechanical engineering or physics.
• Educational background as listed is required for eligibility.
• Candidates should be enrolled in a Master program.

Responsibilities

• Work with imec fluidics and biochemistry teams to prepare SPR substrates.
• Design and perform SPR experiments to measure adsorption, desorption, and binding kinetics under varying electric-field conditions.
• Develop a theoretical framework to interpret effects in terms of electrostatic interactions and surface chemistry.

Education

Biomedical engineering

Bioscience Engineering

Chemistry/Chemical Engineering

Materials Engineering

Mechanical Engineering

Physics

Other

Job description

Electric-field modulation of molecular affinity at modified surfaces for selective separations

Electric fields as dynamic handles to tune molecular interactions and enable selective surface-based separations.

This internship/master thesis will generate preliminary experimental and theoretical results for a grant application, with the possibility of contributing to a scientific publication. The main scientific question is whether an applied electric field can be used to tune the interaction between molecules of interest and SiO2-based surfaces, thereby enabling selective capture, release or separation.

• Work with the imec fluidics and biochemistry teams to prepare SPR substrates (glass chips with adequate metal electrodes and coating) suitable for electrically tunable molecular interactions.
• Design and perform SPR experiments to measure adsorption, desorption, and binding kinetics of selected molecules under different applied electric-field conditions.
• Develop a theoretical framework to interpret the observed effects in terms of electrostatic interactions, interfacial potential, hydration forces, surface chemistry, and molecular charge, and use this framework to propose routes toward higher‑selectivity separations.

Type of internship: Master internship

Duration: 6 month

Required educational background: Biomedical engineering, Bioscience Engineering, Chemistry/Chemical Engineering, Materials Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Physics, Other

The reference code for this position is 2026-INT-237. Mention this reference code in your application.

Imec allowance will be provided for students studying at a non-Belgian university.

• Imec allowance will be provided for students studying at a non-Belgian university.

Supervising scientist(s): For further information or for application, please contact Camila Dalben Madeira Campos ([e-mail]) and Van Pham ([e-mail])